Krishna Attacks Naraka's Citadel

Krishna Attacks Naraka's Citadel

Painting from Bhagavata Purana series,Delhi-Agra area

1520-30 AD.

       Before the Mughals came to India, an indian school of miniature painting did exist during the Siltanate period.  This school was heavily influenced by the Jain miniatures.  This school is typified by flat space, areas of primary colours,  like the red color in this painting,  sharp profiles of the figures,  and squat figures. The portruding eye of the Jain miniature is replaced with the large eyes. But the prominent chin, the translucent 'chunni', the pigtails are retained.
       Here we see Lord Krishna in his form as Lord Vishnu on his vehicle, the Garuda-- the man-eagle. With a sword in his hand, Krishna approaches Naraka's citadel. Naraka sits with his minister, oblivious of the pending doom. He feels safe and secure in his fortified palace. The fort is surrounded by hills, a moat, and protected by the canons sticking out of the fort walls.
       The painting seems to depict the naivete of human beings. All of us are so secure in our cocoons that we are oblivious of the pending dangers.