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Vishnu Battles Madhu and Kaitabha, from a Markandeya Purana, c. 1760. Creator: Unknown
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Vishnu Battles Madhu and Kaitabha, from a Markandeya Purana, c. 1760. Creator: Unknown
Vishnu Battles Madhu and Kaitabha, from a Markandeya Purana, c. 1760. This scene from a Hindu text is set during the moments before the creation of the world. The four-armed god Vishnu has just awakened on his multiheaded serpent bed that floats on the cosmic ocean of milk. Two demons generated from his earwax, according to the text, have already begun a primordial battle between good and evil. In the foothills of the western Himalayas there were numerous small kingdoms governed by rulers who paid tribute to the Mughal emperor. The rulers of these Pahari kingdoms, including Guler, began to sponsor workshops of court painters during the 1600s, following the model of the imperial Mughal atelier. Each court developed its own painting style; at Guler, unpopulated pale expanses offset the opaque hues of clustered figures delineated by smooth contour lines
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Media ID 19647229
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Guler Himachal Pradesh Northern India Opaque Watercolour On Paper
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This print showcases a mesmerizing scene from the Hindu text, Markandeya Purana, dating back to 1760. The image depicts the intense battle between Vishnu, the four-armed god, and two demons named Madhu and Kaitabha. According to the ancient text, these malevolent beings were born from Vishnu's earwax and symbolize the eternal struggle between good and evil. The artwork is set in the moments just before the creation of our world. Vishnu awakens on his magnificent multiheaded serpent bed that floats gracefully on the cosmic ocean of milk. As he rises, ready for combat, a fierce primordial battle unfolds between him and these formidable adversaries. Originating from Guler in Himachal Pradesh, Northern India during the 18th century, this painting reflects the unique style developed by court painters sponsored by local rulers who paid tribute to Mughal emperors. In this particular artistic tradition known as "Guler School" unpopulated pale expanses serve as a backdrop against which opaque hues of clustered figures come alive through smooth contour lines. Preserved at The Cleveland Museum of Art today, this exquisite piece offers us a glimpse into both ancient mythology and historical artistry. It stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage while capturing an epic moment in Hindu folklore where divine forces clash with darkness in an eternal battle for righteousness.
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