Parasurama Attacks Kartavirya from the Ramayama

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Parasurama Attacks Kartavirya from the Ramayama

Artist Chamba School (Indian, ca. 1765-70)

Date1765-1770

Dimensions(Folio) H: 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm); W: 10 1/4 in. (26 cm);
(Miniature) H: 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); W: 9 in. (22.9 cm)

MediumGouache heightened with gold and silver on paper.

ClassificationPaintings

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2005.281

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Label TextWhat is going on here? This dramatic painting was part of an album illustrating the great Indian epic poem, the Ramayana. The scene depicted here tells the story of Parasurama, who is the ax-wielding 6th incarnation of the Hindu saviour deity, Vishnu. He is shown attacking Kartavirya, a king who had assaulted Parasurama’s father Jamadagni, and had stolen the family’s divine cow of plenty (Surabhi). Enraged, Parasurama attacks the thousand-armed Kartavirya, cutting off all of his limbs—no easy accomplishment!—before killing him.Published ReferencesW.G. Archer, Indian Paintings from the Punjab Hills, London, 1973, Chamba, no. 34, p.61