This piece titled `' The Birth of Ganga' by Kshitindranath Mukherjee approximately around 1914. The works of this artist primarily borrows stories from Indian mythology. This particular myth is a part of the Ramayana as well. In the Adiparva, when the story of Rama's ancestors is being told, the story of Ganga's descent on earth is also narrated. The painting primarily depicts Lord Shiva . His calm and serene expression speaks a lot . The stream of water which is visible near his head might denote Goddess Ganga. She was said to have been stuck in his long tresses , and she flowed down on earth from there.
The themes of arrogance and composure are juxtaposed against each other . Ganga's arrogance versus Shiva's calm resistance- depicts a modern day lesson. Ego should not be the ultimate in one's psyche. The closed eyes of the meditating God shows his divine presence, calm yet fiery . The depiction of Ganga as a mere stream shifts the focus from the Goddess herself to Shiva . The story highlights the divinity of Lord Shiva. The monochromatic background of the painting is striking in contrast to the colours used. The general colour palette of the painting is of cool tone .The paintina exudes a serene aura .
The serenity of the image complements the sheer scale of what it means to represent: Ganga flowing from Shiva's hair to ease her descent to Earth as she was too powerful a force otherwise. Shiva's closed eyes and upturned palms demonstrate his own calm strength, and therefore ability to control this power, or at least guide it through a softer path.
