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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.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Balak Ram Sah, Srinagar, Garhwal (by 1916-). Mukundi Lal, Lucknow, India (by 1968-). Peter Bienstock, New York (by 1974), gift; to the Fogg Museum, 1974.

Footnotes:
Balak Ram Sah of Garhwal (Srinagar), great grandson of artist Mola Ram (1750-1833)
Mukundi Lal (1885-1982)

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
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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

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