Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya

ca. 1945–46

Not on view

This painting depicts a lesser-known story from the Mahabharata concerning the transcendence of caste through meditation and spiritual rigor. It recounts the tale of Eklavya, a tribal boy who passionately wished to become a great archer. The mastery of archery was the sole preserve of the ksatriya caste of aristocratic warriors, whose youth were trained in the necessary spiritual and practical skills. The greatest teacher (acharya) was Drona. When Eklavya was denied an apprenticeship because of his low birth, he retreated to the forest, modeled the guru’s image in clay, and, after prolonged meditation, attained great skill. Then, in disguise, he entered an archery competition and was declared the winner. By meditating upon Dronacharya, the disciple secured the master’s knowledge. In this unprecedented rendering of the subject, Eklavya is shown majestically releasing his arrow in front of the monochromatic clay icon of his guru.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Eklavya Practicing Archery before an Icon of Dronacharya
Artist: Y. G. Srimati (Indian, 1926–2007)
Date: ca. 1945–46
Culture: India (Chennai)
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Dimensions: Image: 14 1/4 x 10 in. (36.2 x 25.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Michael Pellettieri, in memory of Y. G. Srimati, 2011
Object Number: 2011.79
Rights and Reproduction: © 2011 M. Pellettieri
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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The Bullock Cart, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — The Bullock Cart
Y. G. Srimati
ca. 1950

Woman with Medallion, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Transparent and opaque watercolor, and graphite on paper, India (Chennai) — Woman with Medallion
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Young Woman in Dressing Room, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Young Woman in Dressing Room
Y. G. Srimati
early 1940s

Vishvarupa, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (Chennai) — Vishvarupa
Y. G. Srimati
1961

Mara’s Temptation of the Buddha, Y. G. Srimati Indian, Watercolor on paper, India (New York) — Mara’s Temptation of the Buddha
Y. G. Srimati
1987

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