Arjuna Chooses Lord Krishna As His Charioteer
Page from a dispersed series of the Mahabharata
Artist/maker unknown, India
Geography:
Made in Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia
Date:
c. 1790-1800Medium:
Opaque watercolor and gold on paperDimensions:
Image: 12 1/4 × 16 3/4 inches (31.1 × 42.5 cm) Sheet: 13 1/2 × 18 3/16 inches (34.3 × 46.2 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
1988-77-10Credit Line:
Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1988
Made in Himachal Pradesh, India, Asia
Date:
c. 1790-1800Medium:
Opaque watercolor and gold on paperDimensions:
Image: 12 1/4 × 16 3/4 inches (31.1 × 42.5 cm) Sheet: 13 1/2 × 18 3/16 inches (34.3 × 46.2 cm)Curatorial Department:
South Asian ArtObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1988-77-10Credit Line:
Gift of Stella Kramrisch, 1988
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After a tense night of deliberation, the Pandava prince Arjuna chooses to have the unarmed Krishna as his charioteer rather than the reinforcement of Krishna's large army. As the sky turns from gray to azure, and the army begins to wake, Arjuna confirms his decision by a solemn vow and water is poured over his hands as ritual witness. Although Krishna's army is sent to fight against Arjuna, the prince has chosen well. Krishna is in reality the supreme being, an avatar of Vishnu. As recounted in the best-known section of the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna will guide Arjuna's chariot, as well as his actions and understanding.
