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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2001.335
Title
Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini (painting, recto), folio from a Bhagavata Purana series
Classification
Manuscripts
Work Type
manuscript folio
Date
c. 1820
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Northern India, Pahari Region
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/168282

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Dimensions
21.59 x 28.73 cm (8 1/2 x 11 5/16 in.)
Inscriptions and Marks
  • inscription: Language: Braj
    Script: Devanagari
    “Krishna”
    “Rukmini”

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Kenneth Galbraith
Accession Year
2001
Object Number
2001.335
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
The painting depicts the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna helping Rukmini to get on his horse-drawn chariot as they elope. The accompanying captions identify the figures. The scene occurs at a white outdoor shrine dedicated to the god Shiva, lord of destruction. Within the sanctum is a lingam, Shiva’s aniconic form, covered in flowers. Rukmini’s attendants show their dismay at her elopement by throwing their hands up. In this episode from the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana, Krishna kidnaps and elopes with Rukmini at her request to prevent an unwanted marriage with the evil king Shishupala, who is also Krishna’s cousin. Later, Rukmini becomes Krishna's principal wife and queen. This folio most likely belonged to a Bhagavata Purana series produced in the Pahari region of Northern India. Other folios from the same Bhagavata Purana series in the Harvard Art Museum’s collection are objects 2001.336, 2001.337, 2001.338. Rajput, Pahari.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu