BASOHLI MINIATURE PAINTING OF KALKI AVATAR, THE FUTURE INCARNATION OF VISHNU
MATERIAL: Paper 
PERIOD: c. 17th century AD

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The Basohli style belongs to the school of Pahari miniature paintings and resonates with the indigenous Rajput tradition of the use of bold lines and vivid colours. While the avatars of Vishnu often precede manuscripts that concern one of his incarnations, this page cannot be associated with any known one. Kalki is described as either a white horse or a warrior on a white horse. In paintings from the Punjab, he is usually shown, as here, in the guise of a groom along with a white horse to a seated warrior with blue skin, the colour traditionally associated with Vishnu. Several elements such as the use of beetle-wing cases, the patterning of the saddle blanket, the rather prominent profile of the low throne’s legs, and the almond-shaped eyes—imply that the painting is of the Basohli style.

These paintings portray beautiful interiors where elegant architecture and the industrial arts are combined in all their splendour. The arrangement of furniture, furnishings, and the composition illustrate the high level attained in the art of interior decoration during this period.