Northern India, Pahari kingdoms / c. 1800
Shishupala arguing with Rukmini’s father, Bhishmaka, from a Rukmini Haran
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Shishupala arguing with Rukmini’s father, Bhishmaka, from a Rukmini Haran as painting (Northern India, Pahari kingdoms · c. 1800).
Paintings from this series came from the royal collection in the kingom of Garhwal.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper.
The museum's collection notes: One painting from a series depicting stories from the life of the Hindu god Krishna, this scene shows a villain named Shishupala arguing with a king. The king, in purple, sits in front of an embroidered gold cushion. His daughter, Princess Rukmini, is engaged to marry Shishupala, whom she despises and calls a “thieving jackal.” Shishupala is angry, because he heard that Krishna is plotting to kidnap Rukmini and marry her himself. Courtiers look on with concern. The artist shows awareness of Mughal costume, jewelry, and architectural forms, placing this mythological scene in a Mughal court setting.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtShishupala arguing with Rukmini’s father, Bhishmaka, from a Rukmini HaranOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.