King Vikrama summons Madhava, folio 15 from a Madhavanala-Kamakandala

c. 1720

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium

Measurements

Page: 21.2 x 30.7 cm (8 3/8 x 12 1/16 in.); Image: 18.7 x 28.6 cm (7 3/8 x 11 1/4 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.92

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Location

242B Indian Painting

Did You Know?

Madhava is depicted in an emaciated form unlike his other representations in the manuscript.

Description

Having arrived at the border of his enemy’s kingdom, Madhava’s ally, King Vikrama, encamps by the riverbank. A crown and subtle halo behind his face testify to his righteousness. Separated from his beloved, Madhava has become so miserable that he has been unable to eat. Clutching his vina (stringed instrument), he converses with the king about how to accomplish his reunion with Kamakandala. The king promises to bring them back together.