Accession Nr.: 83.128
Type: carving
Date of production:
second half of the 20th century
Place of production:
Materials/Techniques: wood, carved
Dimensions: height: 33 cm
width: 75 cm
A scene from the Mahabharata: the dramatic clash of men shooting arrows from chariots is the subject of this richly carved relief. One of them has already been hit by an enemy arrow, while the other is still waiting to see what fate the gods have in store for him. A garuda-head from each wagon is snarling at the enemy, but while one wagon driver gazes ahead, the other turns back to his wounded master. The wounded man, as well as the charioteer standing opposite him, are wearing crowns, confirming the hypothesis that the scene depicts the final clash between Pandawa Arjuna and Karna (King of Awangga) of Kaurawa, which led to the death of Karna (left). Arjuna's horses are urged by Kresna (king of Dwarawati) with a whip in his hand.