Parashurama Fights Kartavirya Arjuna
Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, is seen in combat with king Kartavirya Ajuna. Parashurama emerged early in Brahmanical sources as one of the ten descents (Dasavatars) of Vishnu, who appeared to cleanse the earth of the Kshatriya caste whose rule had become tyrannical and self-serving. Having slaughtered the Kshatriyas, Parashurama distributed their lands among Brahman families. A number of legends preserve versions of this historic land grab whereby much of the productive wealth of India became the hereditary property of the Brahman caste. This is particularly associated with the new frontiers of southern India, which were progressively colonized by migratory populations from the north.
Artwork Details
- Title: Parashurama Fights Kartavirya Arjuna
- Date: 1900–1906
- Culture: India, Karnataka, Mysore
- Medium: Opaque watercolor on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 22 7/16 × 18 1/2 in. (57 × 47 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Purchase, David E. Stutzman and John D. Lamb Gift, 2024
- Object Number: 2024.617
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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