Lord Krishna Dancing on Kaliya Serpent in Traditional Kalighat Art

This vibrant Kalighat painting on cloth and paper illustrates the celebrated mythological episode of Lord Krishna subduing the serpent Kaliya (Kaliya Mardan), a scene deeply rooted in Vaishnavite lore. Krishna is shown dancing triumphantly atop the multi-hooded serpent emerging from the river, his body rendered in a luminous blue that immediately signifies divinity. His raised leg and flowing scarf create a sense of rhythmic movement, capturing the moment of divine control and cosmic balance. Surrounding Krishna are the gopis, depicted with folded hands and expressive faces, watching the miraculous act with devotion and awe. Their stylized postures and synchronized gestures add narrative harmony to the composition. The river below, represented with repetitive wave patterns, and the green, textured landscape behind Krishna are classic Kalighat elements, decorative yet symbolic, suggesting both danger and renewal. The serpents curved hoods frame Krishna dramatically, emphasizing his central role as protector and savior. True to the Kalighat tradition, the painting employs bold black outlines, flat areas of strong color, and minimal perspective, allowing the story to unfold clearly and powerfully. Hand-painted with traditional pigments on cloth backed with paper, the artwork reflects the skill of Kalighat patuas, who transformed mythological stories into instantly recognizable visual narratives for pilgrims and patrons. This painting is not only a devotional image but also a dynamic piece of Indian folk art, embodying movement, emotion, and spiritual triumph, ideal for collectors who appreciate storytelling through traditional art forms.

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