Item Info

Media Type: Manuscripts
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

The Mahabharata has tales within tales within tales, as evidenced by this illustration. Bhishma has been mortally wounded but, as he dies, he teaches the newly crowned Yudhishthira the precepts of good kingship through a series of didactic tales. In one of the tales, the legendary sage Brihaspati explains to a king named Vasumanas why royal protection is essential for a peaceful kingdom. This painting seems to depict the peaceful kingdom that results from such protection. Who the woman in the scene may be is unclear—perhaps she is a beneficiary of royal protection. The tiny vignette in the distance shows a team of oxen working a millstone; it may relate to the main scene or it may merely reinforce the image of a fruitful realm.

Region/County: Region/County:Northern India, Mughal court

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1599
Call Number: Lewis M 33
Creator Name: Bhagavana - Artist