2001.335: Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini, folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series

Identification and Creation

Object Number

2001.335

People

Unknown Artist

Title

Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini, folio from a Bhagavata Purana Series

Classification

Paintings

Work Type

painting

Date

c. 1820

Places

Creation Place: South Asia, India, Punjab Hills

Culture

Indian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/168282

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions

21.59 x 28.73 cm (8 1/2 x 11 5/16 in.)

Inscriptions and Marks

• inscription: Language: Braj
  Script: Devanagari
  “Krishna”
  “Rukmini”

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of John Kenneth Galbraith

Accession Year

2001

Object Number

2001.335

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

The painting depicts Krishna, the eight avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu who is worshipped as a deity in his own right, kidnapping Rukmini. Rukimini is shown getting into Krishna’s horse-drawn chariot. The scene takes place at a white outdoor shrine dedicated to the god Shiva, lord of destruction. The mound covered in flowers within the sanctum is a lingam, Shiva’s aniconic form.

Rukmini becomes the principal wife and queen of Krishna. At her request, Krishna kidnaps and elopes with Rukmini to prevent an unwanted marriage with the evil king Shishupala, who was also Krishna’s cousin.

Verification Level