This piece titled ' Manasa ' is a mythological painting by Kshitindranath Majumdar . It depicts the snake goddess who was originally a local or folk deity . Goddess Manasa is widely worshiped in Bengal , but earlier she was a local deity mainly worshiped bỵ tribal people. The artist particularly focuses on mythological tales and Buddhist mythological tales.The focus on indigenous myths makes the painting a special piece. The foreground is monochromatic in hue .The use of defined borders is a regular feature in most of Kshitindranath Majumdar's artworks. The depiction of the divine varies with regards to the conventional styles of depiction .
The abstract imagery implemented in the painting is highly impeccable in nature . The goddess is seen seated on an unusual throne not the one generally affiliated to gods and goddesses. A snake is the throne to the goddess of snakes . The goddess is adorned not only in gold jewellery , but also a snake coiled round her neck. Painted approximately around 1914,the presence of the goddess in the Hindu mythological pantheon had already become widespread post the emergence of Manasa Mangal Kavya .The deity is half clad and her upper torso is completely bare, naked . However, she has four arms , unlike more circulated depictions.
The painting, Manasa by Kshitindranath Majumdar can be read as a devotional image rather than a literal scene. The painting reflects Bengal school's soft lyrical style where flowing lines, muted colours and simplified forms create a mood of quiet reverence. The subject Manasa, the snake goddess, carries deep folk and religious meaning in eastern India which seems like the painting is blending mythology with emotional devotion. Majumdar often painted spiritual themes using graceful figures and a dreamlike atmosphere to suggest inner faith rather than dramatic action. In this sense, the art work is not only about a deity but also about the sacred power of belief. The painting invites viewers to feel tenderness, mystery and ritual presence at the same time.
