An Illustration to the Mahabharata: Krishna and the Pandava Princes battle Demons

The illustration features Krishna on a chariot at left, being thanked by a grateful king while a group of warriors at center vigorously demolish an army of demons who are shown retreating hastily on the right.

Formerly Collection of Lucille Ball Arnaz

Very good overall condition. A few tiny water spots on the upper ground in the area of the horizon. A minor spot of abrasion on the lower left edge of the image and left folio border. The orange color tones are a bit deeper in reality. This lot is exhibited in a temporary frame.
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As the Pandavas criss-crossed the subcontinent during their periods of forced exile, they aided many rulers in ridding their kingdoms from the scourge of demons and dark forces. The present illustration depicts such a conflict with the Pandavas gaining a decisive victory. These battles, related in great detail in the Epic, are a metaphor for the constant struggle between good and evil with the Pandavas always in the service of Righteousness under the watchful guidance of their mentor Krishna, also seen in this illustration.  

The princely Pandavas instead of being clad in royal garb are shown in animal skins, indicating that they are in exile. The treatment of the faces and figures hews close to the style of Purkhu suggesting that this illustration could be by the hand of a follower.