Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series

Attributed to a follower of Nainsukh Indian

Not on view

This continuous narrative illustrates Krishna's battle with the naga Kaliya, whose fiery poison was causing the Yamuna River to boil. At the lower left, Krishna swims playfully ahead of the writhing and envious Kaliya. At the right, it is possible to make out the climatic moment when Krishna, adored by the female cowherds (gopis) on the shore, defeats Kalia by dancing on his multiple heads.

Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series, Attributed to a follower of Nainsukh (active ca. 1735–78), Ink and wash on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Guler or Kangra)

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series, Attributed to a follower of Nainsukh (active ca. 1735–78), Ink and wash on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Guler or Kangra)
Krishna Subdues the Serpent Kaliya in the Yamuna River: Illustration from a Bhagavata Purana Series, Attributed to a follower of Nainsukh (active ca. 1735–78), Ink and wash on paper, India (Pahari Hills, Guler or Kangra)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.