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The Death of the Giant Shankachura: Page from a Dispersed Bhagavata Purana (Ancient Stories of Lord Vishnu)

1680–90
Not on view
As the songs of Krishna were driving the gopis (female cowherds) wild with delight, the giant Shankachura, a minion of the god of wealth Kubera, appeared and led them away. They appealed to Krishna, who, with his brother, Balarama, uprooted two teak trees and charged the villain. Krishna killed him with a single blow and took the jewel from his head. In the text, he hands it to his brother, but here he appears to be giving it to his beloved, Radha.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Death of the Giant Shankachura: Page from a Dispersed Bhagavata Purana (Ancient Stories of Lord Vishnu)
  • Date: 1680–90
  • Culture: India (Bikaner)
  • Medium: Ink and opaque watercolor on paper
  • Dimensions: Overall: 8 7/8 x 12 1/4in. (22.5 x 31.1cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: Gift of Jeffrey Paley, 1974
  • Object Number: 1974.219
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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