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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1974.112
People
Attributed to Mola Ram, Indian
Title
Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya, Folio from a Bhagavata Purana (History of God) series
Other Titles
Title: Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
late 18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216331

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Dimensions
23.6 x 16.6 cm (9 5/16 x 6 9/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bienstock
Accession Year
1974
Object Number
1974.112
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The painting depicts Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu who is worshipped as a deity in his own right, holding up a multi-hooded snake in the swirling waters of the Yamuna River. The blue-skinned god is surrounded by women that are have snake (naga) half human. The image depicts a scene from the Bhagavata Purana, (History of God). The Bhagvata Purana is one of the eighteen Mahapuranas (Great Histories) and is a revered text in Vaishnavism, a Hindu tradition that worships Vishnu. Produced sometime between the sixth and tenth century, the text promotes bhakti (devotion) to Krishna. When Krishna was a youth, he went into the Yamuna River to rescue his ball. He encountered, Kaliya, a poisonous snake (naga) with 110 hoods. The serpent wrapped his body around Krishna, but the deity expanded his body, causing Kaliya to release him. Then, Krishna assumed the weight of the universe and danced on the naga’s hoods, beating time with his feet. Kaliya’s wives begged Krishna to show mercy for their dying husband, depicted here. The awesomeness of Krishna’s size and strength is denoted through his ease in holding up the fearsome serpent. Although Krishna could have vanquished Kaliya, he showed the creature mercy and pardoned him.

Exhibition History

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or 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