Item Info

Media Type: Manuscripts
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:

Bhishma’s tale of King Ikshvaku and the Brahman serves as another object lesson for Yudhishthira. The Brahman, shown here being showered with flowers by the gods, had devoted his life to recitation of the Gayatri, a mantra especially sacred to Hindus. When the Brahman offers to give King Ikshvaku the gift of spiritual transcendence—the fruits of the Brahman’s own devotions—the king insists that they share the reward evenly. In this way, each may be both recipient and bestower of the cosmic prize. This painting depicts the moment when the Brahman’s soul ascends to heaven, departing through the crown of his head and shown as a shadowy pillar. King Ikshvaku, who will soon join the sage in the next world, watches with rapt attention.

Region/County: Region/County:Northern India, Mughal court

Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1599
Call Number: Lewis M 19
Creator Name: Dhanu - Artist