Artwork

Akrura Drives Krishna and Balarama to Mathura, from the “Isarda Bhagavata Purana”

Akrura Drives Krishna and Balarama to Mathura, from the “Isarda Bhagavata Purana” is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1565 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

A chariot races across a pink sky, carrying two brothers—one dark blue, one pale.

A chariot races across a pink sky, carrying two brothers—one dark blue, one pale. Villagers wave goodbye as the pair leaves their childhood home. The scene feels rushed, like a moment pulled from a longer story.

This is a single page from a Hindu manuscript, painted in Rajasthan around 1560. The bright pinks—sky, chariot, clothes—stand out. Most older works from this region used softer colors. The urgency in the brothers’ poses tells you they’re heading toward danger.

To see more pages like this, look up *northwestern india, rajasthan, isarda*.

Overview

This 16th-century painting from Rajasthan, India, depicts a pivotal moment from Hindu mythology as Krishna and Balarama depart their childhood village for Mathura, bound for a confrontation with their tyrannical uncle.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures Krishna (dark-skinned) and Balarama (light-skinned) leaving their village to challenge their uncle, who had murdered their siblings and imprisoned their parents. The brothers’ urgent gestures convey their determination and the peril of their mission.

Technique & Style

Notable for its vibrant use of pink in the sky, chariot, and attire, this work distinguishes itself from pre-Mughal precedents with its bold color palette, contrasting with the softer hues typical of earlier regional art.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1560 in Rajasthan as part of the “Isarda Bhagavata Purana” manuscript, this single-page painting reflects the artistic trends of its time and place, characterized by a sense of dynamism and expressive color.

Context

Part of a broader Hindu manuscript tradition, this page illustrates a narrative from the Bhagavata Purana, highlighting the brothers’ journey as a narrative climax. The setting and figures are rendered in a style consistent with Rajasthani manuscript illustrations of the period.

Legacy

As a representative of 16th-century Rajasthani art, this painting contributes to the understanding of the region’s artistic evolution, particularly in its transitional phase towards Mughal influences, marked by innovative color choices.