The Great Mysore Bhagavata: Complete Study of a Manuscript from the Binney Collection in the San Diego Museum of Art

Book Details

• Author: B.N. Goswamy & Essays by Robert J. Del Bonta and Caleb Simmons

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789389136043

• Binding: Hardcover

• Pages: 320

• Dimensions: 12.4 x 9.5 x 1.3 inches

• Release Date: 31-01-2020

About the Book
Bhagavata Purāna: A Southern Manuscript is an exceptional work that explores one of the most significant sacred texts of India through a Southern Indian lens, focusing on a unique manuscript from Mysore. While Northern Indian schools of painting have long captured the attention of scholars, the rich tradition of Southern Indian painting has often been overlooked. This book brings to light the beauty and depth of Southern Indian manuscript art, focusing specifically on the second half of the tenth book of the Bhagavata Purāna.

The manuscript under examination stands out not only for its magnificent illustrations but also for its treatment of the Bhagavata Purāna—a text that holds a revered place in the hearts of devotees, believed to be as sacred as the Vedas. The paintings bring to life episodes from the Purāna, exploring stories of intense devotion and divine intervention. From the founding of the city of dwarfs to the vanquishing of the demon Narakasura, the manuscript’s illustrations are a breathtaking display of imagination and craftsmanship.

This volume offers a rare, detailed exploration of the Purāna’s narrative, immersing readers in the devotional and miraculous world of Krishna's later life. The paintings themselves are a profound expression of bhakti—devotion to the divine—and each illustration invites readers to witness the unfolding of legendary events. With essays by Robert J. Del Bonta and Caleb Simmons, this book provides a comprehensive study that not only highlights the artistic brilliance of the manuscript but also sheds light on its historical and spiritual context.

Bhagavata Purāna: A Southern Manuscript is a must-have for art historians, devotees of Krishna, and anyone interested in the intersection of religious devotion and South Indian art.