Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya (painting, recto), illustration from the Bhagavata Purana

Identification and Creation

Object Number: 1974.112
People: Attributed to Mola Ram, Indian
Title: Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya (painting, recto), illustration from the Bhagavata Purana
Other Titles: Title: Krishna Quells the Serpent Kaliya
Classification: Paintings
Work Type: painting
Date: late 18th century
Places: Creation Place: South Asia, India, Uttarakhand, Garhwal
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: The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request.

Descriptions

Description: This painting depicts blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna’s subjugation of the serpent king Kaliya in the waters of River Yamuna. Kaliya wreaked havoc on the town of Vrindavan, poisoning their source of water. To put a stop to this, the blue-skinned Hindu god Krishna decides to challenge Kaliya and, after a long struggle, emerges victorious by trampling upon the serpent king’s many hoods. At this moment, Kaliya’s wives rush to his side to persuade Krishna to show mercy and let their husband go. Kaliya himself realizes Krishna’s divine nature and surrenders. The painting captures this moment of surrender.
The painting has been attributed to Mola Ram (1743 - 1833) who is an important artist from Garhwal. Rajput, Pahari, Garhwal School.

Exhibition History

The Arts of Krishna Bhakti, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 03/09/1983 - 05/01/1983
Out of the Hills: Miniature Painting from Himalayan India, Harvard University Art Museums, Fogg Art Museum, Cambridge, 05/26/1984 - 07/08/1984
32Q: 2590 South and Southeast Asia, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 04/19/2018 - 11/07/2018
A Colloquium in the Visual Arts , Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/04/2021 - 01/02/2022

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

Add to Collection

Log in to the Harvard Art Museums