Current location unknown; formerly in private collections and auction circulation.
Location History:
This manuscript of the Razmnama was dispersed before 1960
Sam Fogg, London 1999
Francesca Galloway, London 2008
Sotheby’s, London, 7 October 2009, lot 44
A dramatic episode from the Mahabharata in nim-qalam style, Bhima kills Kichaka and is in battle with his hundred and one brothers, as a punishment for Kichaka's predatory behaviour towards Draupadi. This Mughal miniature painting created for the Razmnama captures a moment of vengeance, strength, righteousness and conflict. This narrative is transformed into a visually striking scene filled with ferocity. The Razmnama is the abridged version of the Hindu epic poem the Mahabharata which tells the story of a rivalry between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, for the kingdom of Hastinpura. This painting, in addition to nine of the other paintings from the manuscript, is by Dhannu, a prolific painter in Akbar's court. A defining feature of his painting style is that his style for depicting faces borders on caricature. This painting comprises of finely drawn faces, especially Bhima's, who's expression approaches nonchalance, in contrast to his wild hair, which often signifies ferocity and anger, so visually striking it reminds you of Kali's wild and free hair. Kichaka's corpse burns on a pyre in the foreground. Power and justice are central themes to this painting. Bhima's way of justice through force, violence that is righteous, punishment for the corrupt and abusive behaviour of Kichaka. The composition draws your eye to Bhima's heroism, he is the upholder of moral code, the heroic power against lecherous predators. The scene is brutal, but the painting itself is elegant and decorative. The painting blends an Indian epic with the refined aesthetics of Mughal court paintings, including the naturalistic figures where the gestures are wide and limbs bent, courtly aesthetics and fine line-work. Ultimately a brutal narrative, featuring intense graphic violence has been transformed into a visually sophisticated courtly artwork.
This Mughal miniature folio captures an intense, multi-layered episode from the Mahabharata. Signed by the court artist Dhannu, the painting translates the ancient Hindu epic narrative into a fluid, multi-episodic composition depicting the terrifying fury of the Pandava brother Bhima as he decimates the villainous Kichaka (who had harassed Draupadi) and unleashes chaos upon Kichaka's brothers amidst a burning funeral pyre. Instead of choosing a static portrait, Dhannu opts for a continuous narrative style. The composition deftly balances the domestic backdrop of white-domed palaces with raw, intertwined bodies caught in frantic, desperate motion. The muted, delicate colour washes allow the expressive, panicked faces of the victims and Bhima's sheer muscular dominance to take centre stage. This painting is exceptionally significant as it derives from the "Razmnama", the Persian translation of the Mahabharata commissioned by Emperor Akbar. It stands as a profound testament to Akbar's deliberate policy of 'Sulh-i-kul' (universal peace), utilizing the imperial arts to foster cross-cultural synthesis, religious tolerance, and political assimilation between the Mughal court and its Hindu subjects.
