№ MMXXVI

RACHNA · A LIVING ARCHIVE

Rachna by M.

Loading the archive

MM · XXVI

Canvas
King Pandu Shooting the Mating Deer, The Tragedy of Sage Kindama
Indian School · 18–20c.

Painting

King Pandu Shooting the Mating Deer, The Tragedy of Sage Kindama

Indian School · 18–20c.

Description

Historical context

This profound painting captures a fateful turning point in the Mahabharata, depicting King Pandu in the forest where his hunting arrow mistakenly strikes down the sage Kindama and his consort, who had taken the form of deer. The multiple registers within the composition weave a complex narrative, showing the righteous king in his courtly splendor, his fateful pursuit in the rolling green hills, and the tragic consequence that would forever alter the lineage of the Kuru dynasty. The delicate brushwork and lush landscape reflect the deep emotional resonance of a tragic destiny unfolding under the gaze of the divine.

Featured in

Poems paired with this painting

Adjacent works

From the same room.