Arjun Subhadra

Oleograph on paper

20 x 14.25 in (51 x 36 cm)

The work has a printed inscription on the lower right stating that the print was printed at the Ravi Varma Press, Karla, Lonavala

This work will be shipped unframed

This oleograph published by the Ravi Varma Press depicts Arjun and Subhadra. Arjun, in the midst of a self-imposed exile, owing to breaking the terms of agreement over spending time with Draupadi with his four brothers, goes to Dvaraka to be with Lord Krishna. Seeing the lord's beautiful sister Subhadra, Arjun is smitten and wants to marry her. Disguising as a hermit, Arjun abducts Subhadra and marries her, the scene of this work. It is believed that Arjun does so at the behest of Krishna as Balarama wants to give her away in marriage to Duryodhana, his favourite pupil. Arjun's abduction of Subhadra, however, angers Balarama and others but Krishna intervenes and advises them against targeting Arjun. They relent and agree to Arjun's wish. Abhimanyu, the warrior son born to Arjun and Subhadra, would later go on to become one of the key characters in the epic battle of Mahabharata.