In the Indian, Epic Mahabharata Krishna is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe). He being an avatar (God in human form) knows all the secrets of the ancient science and technology of warfare.

In this creation of mine, Lord Krishna is seen revealing the secret of a particular war strategy to his sister Subhadra. This is an epic moment in time as was seen later as the story unfolds. He talks about the “Chakravyuh” means a multi-tier military defensive formation in the shape of a disc or a chakra. Unfortunately during this time, Subhadra falls asleep, so the child (son) in her womb who was hearing all this learns only the first half of the strategy. The conversation has ended after she falls asleep, the child learns how to break enter the defense formation but not how to get out of the same. 

Kathiawar as civilization has existed from time immemorial and dates back to the Mahabharata era. Dwarika, the abode of Lord Krishna has been in existence for over 5000 years and many recent findings testify the same. Hence I have chosen a typically kathiawari theme and have tried to highlight the rich cultural past of this land. The open “Choupat” ( game of strategy played in ancient times known in the west as ludo) in this painting is suggestive of how this game leads to the destruction of moral values and ultimately is the main cause of the “Mahabharata” the epic war.

Location Inspired from:- The Khathiawari Maand Room, Anand Vilas Palace, Jasdan, Saurashtra.