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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1960.157
Title
Jambavan Offers His Daughter, Jambavati, to Krishna, an illustration from the Bhagavata Purana
Classification
Paintings
Work Type
painting
Date
late 18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Himachal Pradesh, Kangra
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/216414

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Opaque watercolor with gold on paper
Dimensions
27.7 x 38.2 cm (10 7/8 x 15 1/16 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gifts for Special Uses Fund
Accession Year
1960
Object Number
1960.157
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
This painting depicts the episode of Jambavan, king of the bears, offering his daughter, Jambavati, to Krishna for marriage. The illustration can be divided into three vignettes. Starting from the left, Jambavan brings his daughter to Krishna. In the center, Jamabavati is offered to Krishna for marriage. On the right, Jambavan pays Krishna his respects.

This episode from the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purana recounts the tale of the precious diamond named Syamantaka. Surya, the sun god, had given the diamond to the Yadava governor Satrajit. Satrajit gave it to his brother and counselor, Prasena. During a hunt, Prasena was killed by a lion who took the jewel. The lion then entered Jambavan’s cave, where it met its demise, and Jambavan gained possession of the diamond. In the meantime, Krishna was falsely accused of stealing the diamond. To clear his name, Krishna went on an excursion and discovered what happened to Prasena and the diamond. He came across Jambavan and fought with him for twenty-eight days until the bear-king was defeated. Jambavan returned the diamond to Krishna and offered his daughter’s hand in marriage. Jambavati is one of the Ashtabharya, the eight principal queen-consorts of Krishna. Rajput, Pahari, Kangra School.

Text on Verso: Bhagavata Purana, Book Ten, Chapter 56, verses 25 (second half)-26, 31-32.

Publication History

  • Stuart Cary Welch and Milo Cleveland Beach, Gods, Thrones, and Peacocks Northern Indian Painting from Two Traditions, exh. cat., Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (New York, NY, 1965), page 94 & 123/figure 54

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