Ganesha transcribing the Mahabharata (Shri Shri Ganesh)

1878–83

Not on view

Ganesha is represented here as the great scribe who recorded the dictation of the sage Vyasa as he composed the religious epic the Mahabharata. Ganesha wrote for days without interruption; worn out pens lie discarded in the foreground, alluding to the duration of the task. He is shown in the white robes and sacred cord of a learned Brahman, writing with a pen rather than with his broken tusk, as is often described in popular accounts. The elephant aspect of Ganesha traditionally links him to protective roles associated with new enterprises. Here, as scribe, he fulfills the role of transmitter of the greatest epic of Indian literature.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

Title: Ganesha transcribing the Mahabharata (Shri Shri Ganesh)
Date: 1878–83
Culture: India, Kolkata, West Bengal
Medium: Lithograph with watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Sheet: 16 × 12 3/4 in. (40.6 × 32.4 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Friends of Asian Art Gifts, 2021
Object Number: 2021.205
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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