An Illustration from the Mahabharata: Krishna rescues Arjuna in a Bloody Battle with Nikumbha

In this climactic battle scene Krishna beheads Nikumbha with his discus, the Sudarshana Chakra, and rescues Arjuna from the demon's clutches. The painting is remarkable for its virtuoso treatment of the narrative, depicting the demon's severed head and torso hurtling through the skies while Arjuna plummets gracefully into Pradyumna's waiting arms below.