Figure
16th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This composition differs from the dancing butter thief in two ways. First, between Krishna's left foot and the lotus are the fanned-out multiple hoods of a serpent. Secondly, while the daring boy holds the reptile's tail by his outstretched left hand, the right forms the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). Here also Krishna is a naked child, adorned only with ornaments as small children often are in village India.
The serpent is called Kaliya and he lived in the river Yamuna (Jumna). Once it was brought to Krishna's attention that the reptilian titan was polluting the waters of the river which made it hazardous for everyone else. So Krishna decided to teach the titan a lesson and after subduing him performed a victory dance on his hood to the amazement of all inhabitants of Braj. Clearly Krishna's right hand reassures both the inhabitants of Braj and the devotees who behold the figure. The name of the serpent Kaliya makes this a dance of victory over time and death as well.
The serpent is called Kaliya and he lived in the river Yamuna (Jumna). Once it was brought to Krishna's attention that the reptilian titan was polluting the waters of the river which made it hazardous for everyone else. So Krishna decided to teach the titan a lesson and after subduing him performed a victory dance on his hood to the amazement of all inhabitants of Braj. Clearly Krishna's right hand reassures both the inhabitants of Braj and the devotees who behold the figure. The name of the serpent Kaliya makes this a dance of victory over time and death as well.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze |
| Brief description | Standing figure of Krishna dancing on the head of Kaliya, bronze, Tamil Nadu, 16th century. |
| Physical description | This composition differs from the dancing butter thief in two ways. First, between Krishna's left foot and the lotus are the fanned-out multiple hoods of a serpent. Secondly, while the daring boy holds the reptile's tail by his outstretched left hand, the right forms the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra). Here also Krishna is a naked child, adorned only with ornaments as small children often are in village India. The serpent is called Kaliya and he lived in the river Yamuna (Jumna). Once it was brought to Krishna's attention that the reptilian titan was polluting the waters of the river which made it hazardous for everyone else. So Krishna decided to teach the titan a lesson and after subduing him performed a victory dance on his hood to the amazement of all inhabitants of Braj. Clearly Krishna's right hand reassures both the inhabitants of Braj and the devotees who behold the figure. The name of the serpent Kaliya makes this a dance of victory over time and death as well. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Mr Lionel M. Wynch |
| Historical context | Given to the V& A Museum by Mr. Lionel M.Wynch, C.I.E., C.B.E, Madras Civil Service, 1885-1914. |
| Production | Vijayanagar, South India |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.204-1959 |
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| Record created | June 21, 2001 |
| Record URL |
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