Art Print – “Naraka Chaturdashi”: Krishna and Satyabhama Vanquish Narakasura

Provenance

Naraka Chaturdashi illustrates one of the best-loved Diwali tales: the defeat of the demon king Narakasura by Lord Krishna and his consort Satyabhama. Rendered in a refined, courtly style, the scene unfolds against a deep vermilion ground, with a row of gilded spirals running across the upper sky.

Krishna, blue-skinned and crowned with a peacock feather, draws his golden bow from a chariot shaded by a domed, tasselled canopy and a fluttering pennant. Satyabhama rides beside him, mace raised, her garments patterned in red and gold. Two pale, richly caparisoned horses rear forward, while at the left Narakasura falls backwards, an arrow piercing his shield and another flying towards him, his sword still in hand. Their victory is remembered on Naraka Chaturdashi, the day before Lakshmi Puja, as the triumph of light over darkness.

Saturated red, ivory and burnished gold dominate the composition, with fine black line-work and gilded detailing on the jewellery, harness and chariot wheel. The open red field lends the action a clear, dramatic sweep, while the decorative spirals and ornamented textiles give the print a jewel-like, courtly finish.