Bhisma-Drapadi-Sawaad

n the Mahabharata, Draupadi's encounter with Bhishma on his bed  is a significant event. Draupadi, having endured the humiliation of being disrobed in the court of Dhritarashtra, confronts Bhishma about his silence during the incident. Bhishma, who was unable to intervene due to his vow and the circumstances, is questioned by Draupadi about his failure to uphold dharma and righteousness. 

Here's a breakdown of their dialogue: 

Draupadi's Question:

• Draupadi asks Bhishma, the great warrior and advisor, why he remained silent while she was being humiliated.
• She questions why he, a symbol of dharma, did not protect her from the injustice.
• Draupadi implies that Bhishma's silence was a betrayal of his moral principles. 

Bhishma's Response:

• Bhishma acknowledges his limitations and his inability to prevent the events.
• He explains that he was bound by his vow and the circumstances prevented him from intervening.
• Bhishma admits that the situation was a difficult one, and he struggled to reconcile his duty with the unjust actions.
• Bhishma ultimately expresses regret for not being able to protect Draupadi. 

The Significance:

• This conversation highlights the complex ethical dilemmas faced by characters in the Mahabharata. 
• It explores the limitations of even the most virtuous characters in the face of overwhelming circumstances. 
• Draupadi's questioning serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of silence in the face of injustice. 
• The encounter also emphasizes the importance of upholding dharma and protecting women's dignity. 
• This oleograph is very rare to find publised around circa 1905-06 by Ravi Varma Press Karla Lonvalla  

Shriyal-Raja

The image is a painting titled "Shriyal Raja" by B.R. Kumbhar, printed and published by the Ravi Varma Press in the 1920s. It depicts a scene from the story of Shriyal Raja, a devotee of Lord Shiva. The painting portrays Shriyal Raja, his wife Changuna, and their son offering food to Lord Shiva, who appears disguised as a sage. 

Key elements in the painting include:

• Shriyal Raja:

  Kneeling with folded hands, wearing a crown and traditional attire, showing devotion and humility.

• Changuna:

  Standing behind Shriyal, also with folded hands, dressed in a sari, representing her support and piety.

• Their Son:

  Kneeling beside his father, mirroring the gesture of prayer, emphasizing the family's collective faith.

• Lord Shiva as a Sage:

  Seated on a low stool, with a trident beside him, accepting the offering, depicted with a calm and divine presence.

• The Offering:

  A tray of food, signifying the family's sacrifice and dedication.

The painting is noted for its detailed rendering, the use of "sparkles or silver dust" for embellishment, and the emotional expressions on the characters' faces. It is considered a significant example of religious art from the Ravi Varma Press, reflecting the cultural and religious narratives of the time.

Saraswati

SARASWATI: Saraswati is the goddess of learning and the 43rd chapter of the Brahma Purana describes her birth from the sublime or sattvic face of Bramha. Saraswati thereafter asked Bramha who she was and what were to be her duties. Brahma declared that she would be called Saraswati and was given three duties. Firstly, she was to reside at the tip of the tongue and was directed to dance on the tongue of learned people. She was also directed to reside on earth as a river and in the third form reside with Brahma.

This oleograph  from the Ravi Varma Prem Karla Lonavalla derived from a painting by Raja Ravi Varma follows the iconographic description of Saraswati as found in the 50th chapter of the Agni Purana. She is described in the Agni Purana as being attired in white and playing the Veena with two arms and holding an aksha-mala (a string of pearls) and a pustaka (book) in the other hands.

Early religious texts do not mention a vehicle or vahan for Saraswati. However, later texts provide for a swan or peacock. There are three prints of Saraswati by the Ravi Varma Press derived from paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. This is the most common and popular image of Saraswati.

This work is approx  Circa 1903-05 from Ravi Varma Pres Karla Lonavalla , Bombay