‘Paithan’ (Chitrakathi) narrative painting

anonymous, 1800 - 1899

Abhimanyu (son of the Mahabharata-hero Arjuna) and his mother Subhadhra travel through the forest in a chariot. Their road is obstructed by the demon Ghatotkacha, son of Arjuna's brother Bhima. The heroes are unaware of their family ties and a fight arises. Scene from the story of the marriage of Abhimanyu and Vatsala. The story although connected to the events of the Mahabharata, is not found in the standard versions of the Epic and is probably based on local tradition, in Kannada or Marathi, either written or oral.

  • Artwork typedrawing, Indian miniature
  • Object numberRP-T-2024-51(R)
  • Dimensionsheight 310 mm x width 390 mm
  • Physical characteristicspenseel

Identification

  • Title(s)

    ‘Paithan’ (Chitrakathi) narrative painting

  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-T-2024-51(R)

  • Description

    Abhimanyu (son of the Mahabharata-hero Arjuna) and his mother Subhadhra travel through the forest in a chariot. Their road is obstructed by the demon Ghatotkacha, son of Arjuna's brother Bhima. The heroes are unaware of their family ties and a fight arises. Scene from the story of the marriage of Abhimanyu and Vatsala. The story although connected to the events of the Mahabharata, is not found in the standard versions of the Epic and is probably based on local tradition, in Kannada or Marathi, either written or oral.

Creation

  • Creation

    draftsman (artist): anonymous, Andhra Pradesh

  • Dating

    1800 - 1899

  • Search further with

Material and technique

  • Physical description

    penseel

  • Dimensions

    height 310 mm x width 390 mm

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Gift of A.L. Dallapicola, London

  • Acquisition

    gift 2024-04-30

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Documentation

    • E. Binney 3rd, The Mughal and Deccani Schools with some related Sultanate Material. Portland, Oregon, 1973
    • Dahmen-Dallapiccola, A.L. Indische Miniaturen. Malerei der Rajput-Staaten, Holle Verlag, Baden-Baden, 1976
    • Maggs Oriental Miniatures and Illumination, Bulletin No. 23, March 1975
    • Dallapiccola, A.L. South Indian Paintings, London, [2010]
    • Dallapiccola, A.L. Die 'Paithan'-Malerei, Studie zu ihrer stilistischen Entwicklung und Ikonographie, Wiesbaden, 1980, p. 366

Related objects

  • Related

Persistent URL

Questions?

Do you spot a mistake? Or do you have information about the object? Let us know!