Size: 14 x 21 in (35.6 x 53.3 cm)

This beautiful Jaipur painting portrays the grand finale in the fierce battle between Indra the God of heaven and Lord Krishna who was aided by Arjuna.

Agni, the god of fire wanted to eat the Khandava forest. But Indra, the God of heaven stopped the process with torrential rain to protect a friend of his. Thus the battle between fire and rain continued. A tired Agni finally approached Krishna and Arjuna for help.

A battle ensued between Indra and his supporters on one side and Krishna and Arjuna on the other. In this scene one can see a blue sky with thundering clouds. Indra is seated on Airavata with his allies seated on horses. All of them are seen making a humble retreat. They are surrounded by celestial beings seated in their respective chariots. Manama Daitya, a bare-bodied demon in a short tight lower vestment, stands with folded hands before Krishna and Arjuna.

The vast, undulating landscape and the forest on fire add to the beauty. Every detail in this painting has been perfectly attended to. It is interesting to see the manner in which the gold armory is textured. The chariots also have very fine motifs. The main figures have been identified with inscriptions. On careful observation one can even see the pearl settings on the headgears of the charioteers, peacock feathers adorning Krishna's crown and hair on the body of the demon, Manama Daitya.

This Jaipur painting is one of a well known series of paintings based on themes from the epic, Mahabharata.