Vabhru-vahana

This page once belonged to an illustrated manuscript of the Razmnama, or Book of War, the Persian translation of the great Hindu text, the Mahabharata, that describes the epic battles between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The translation from Sanskrit was made by order of the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1582 and was largely accomplished by about 1586. Here, Arjuna's son Babhruvahana is shown in the nether regions trying to seize the gem that will restore his father to life. It is guarded by serpents that must be vanquished.

The painting is signed by the artist Abdullah, and dated 1025/20 January 1616-8 January 1617.