A refined ink drawing by the Pahari master Nainsukh, depicting the mythological encounter between Krishna and the serpent Kaliya.

This drawing by Nainsukh, a master of the Pahari school, depicts a narrative episode from the Bhagavata Purana. The scene captures the moment Krishna confronts the multi-headed serpent Kaliya within the waters of the Yamuna River. Nainsukh employs a refined, calligraphic line to define the figures, demonstrating his characteristic precision and observational clarity. The composition is divided into two distinct registers: the lower portion focuses on the aquatic struggle between the deity and the serpent, while the upper portion features a procession of figures observing the event. The work is a preparatory study or an unfinished illustration, revealing the artist's process through visible under-drawing and ink outlines. The figures are rendered with a sense of movement and grace, typical of the artist's work in the mid-eighteenth century. Nainsukh was known for his departure from the more stylised conventions of his contemporaries, opting instead for a naturalistic approach to human gesture and expression. The figures in the upper register exhibit varied postures, suggesting a narrative sequence that unfolds across the page. The serpent, with its coiled body and flared hoods, is drawn with rhythmic, repetitive lines that convey both its serpentine nature and its formidable presence in the mythic narrative. As a piece of Indian miniature tradition, this work offers insight into the technical execution of courtly art. The use of paper as a substrate, combined with the delicate application of ink, creates a visual balance between the negative space and the drawn forms. The lack of heavy pigment allows the viewer to focus on the draughtsmanship, which remains the primary strength of Nainsukh's output. This print preserves the subtle tonal variations of the original ink, providing a clear view of the artist's hand and the structural composition of the scene.