The River Goddess Ganga Explains Why Trees Are Uprooted while Reeds Are Not
From Our Collections Razmnama Leaf Collection
Item Info
Item No: mcom00131
Title: The River Goddess Ganga Explains Why Trees Are Uprooted while Reeds Are Not
Additional Title: Razmnama (Book of War)
Media Type:
Manuscripts
Source: Rare Book Department
Notes:
Perplexed by the river’s tendency to uproot trees but not reeds, the Ocean asks the goddess Ganga, personification of the holy river Ganges, why this is so. The goddess explains that reeds are pliant and persevering, and thus able to withstand the river’s current. Trees, however, are unyielding and so succumb easily to the force of the river. Bhishma shares this tale with Yudhishthira to demonstrate the wisdom of acting with caution and patience when confronted with a more powerful opponent. Here the king and the Brahman standing by the river may represent Yudhishthira and Bhishma, although the depiction of Bhishma in the guise of a priest seems inconsistent.
Region/County: Region/County:Northern India, Mughal court
Creation Year (Single Year or Range Begin): 1599
Call Number: Lewis M 13
Subjects
The River Goddess Ganga Explains Why Trees Are Uprooted while Reeds Are Not
Razmnama Leaf, The River Goddess Ganga Explains Why Trees Are Uprooted while Reeds Are Not 
Razmnama Leaf, Reverse