
Artwork Information
The ancient Hindu epic the Mahabharata tells the story of warring
cousins within a family, the Pandavas and the Kauravas, whose
dispute culminated in the Kurukshetra War. The Pandavas were five brothers who were known for their virtue, strength, diplomacy and devotion to Krishna, who frequently appears in the Mahabharata as counsel to the brothers. This painting shows Krishna consulting with the brothers during a battle. As is typical of Kangra painting, this painting provides a sequential narrative of Krishna’s meeting with the brothers: to the right he embraces them in greeting, and then to the left is shown in consultation with them. The person seated next to Krishna might be Sanjaya, indicating that this scene is from the Udyoga Priva, the Book of the Effort, which details the brothers’ unsuccessful attempts to achieve peace with the Kauravas before the War.The painting's diagonal lines, simple forms, and consistent use of colours lead our eye around the scene, rendering the scene both dynamic and readable.
- Artist
- Unknown artist, Late Kangra School
- Title
- Krishna with the five Pandavas
- Production Date
- 19th century
- Medium
- tempera
- Dimensions
- 286 x 400 mm
- Credit Line
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Mr Paul R C Potter, 1970
- Accession No
- 1970/31/3
- Copyright
- No known copyright restrictions
- Department
- International Art
- Display Status
- Not on display
More by Unknown artist (11)

Sahib Singh Bedi (1756 - 1834) with his son Tegh Singh
circa 1850

Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
circa 1850

Sri Guru Hargobind Ji (1595 - 1644)
circa 1850

Baba Sahib Singh Bedi being transported on an elephant
circa 1850
Explore Connections (7)

Worship
110 Artworks

Men
2215 Artworks

Elephants
8 Artworks

Tents
39 Artworks

Awnings
49 Artworks