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Hiranyakashipu commands his demon warriors to threaten and injure Prahlada. Preparatory drawing from the ‘Small Bhagavata Purana’ Series

  • Creation date1740
  • Dimensions22.0 x 32.0 cm

Explore Manaku (1700-1760), a master of Pahari painting from Guler, India. Discover his Ramayana & Gita Govinda masterpieces and the brilliance of this rediscovered artist.

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Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Hiranyakashipu commands his demon warriors to threaten and injure Prahlada. Preparatory drawing from the ‘Small Bhagavata Purana’ Series

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 63

Collectible Description

The famed Indian painter Manaku was active in the small court of Guler, Himachal Pradesh, in the hills of north-western India, from ca. 1725 to ca. 1760. Manaku is renowned for having illustrated two great corpuses of Indian religious literature, the epic Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana, the latter a monumental work celebrating devotion to Vishnu in his various guises. Book 7 of the Bhagavata Purana is in large part devoted to recounting the legend of the avatar Narasimha’s vanquishing of the demon (asura) king Hiranyakashipu. This drawing is a preparatory study for a Narasimha-legend sequence of folios for one such edition of the Bhagavata Purana. The scene of the demons tormenting the devotee (bhakti) Prahlada evocatively captures the mood of the text, the diminutive figure of the youthful prince standing, his hands raised together reverently in anjali to plead for Vishnu’s protection. Around him are the looming figures of three grotesque demons, two of whom wield spear-tipped tridents, carrying out the instructions of the demon-king, seated enthroned in his palace.

Artist Biography

Manaku: A Rediscovered Master of Pahari Painting

Life and Obscurity

  • Born around 1700 in Guler, a small hill state in present-day Himachal Pradesh, India.
  • Died in 1760. His life remains largely shrouded in obscurity, overshadowed by the fame of his younger brother, Nainsukh.
  • Rediscovery: For centuries, Manaku’s contributions were almost entirely forgotten until art historians like B.N. Goswamy brought his work to light and recognized his significant role in Pahari painting.

Artistic Style and Influences

  • Pahari Painting: Manaku is now celebrated as a key exponent of the Pahari style, characterized by its delicate brushwork, vibrant colors, and focus on themes from Hindu mythology and courtly life.
  • Mughal Influence: The art of Guler, and thus Manaku’s work, was significantly influenced by the waning Mughal Empire. Artists migrating from the Mughal courts brought with them techniques and aesthetics that blended with local traditions.
  • His father, Seu, a prominent artist himself, served as an early mentor, instilling in him foundational skills and artistic principles.

Major Works and Themes

  • Rama Releases the Demon Spies: (folio from the Siege of Lanka series) – A powerful depiction of a pivotal moment from the Ramayana, showcasing Manaku’s skill in narrative storytelling.
  • South Wind Cools in the Himalayas: (folio from the Second Guler Gita Govinda series) – Demonstrates his mastery in portraying scenes from the Gita Govinda, a celebrated work of Sanskrit poetry focused on the love between Krishna and Radha.
  • Hiranyakashipu Commands His Demon Warriors: (preparatory drawing from the ‘Small Bhagavata Purana’ series) – Exemplifies his ability to convey complex narratives with dynamic composition and expressive figures.
  • His works often feature themes of devotion, heroism, love, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Artistic Development & Achievements

  • Only four extant works bear Manaku’s signature, making each piece exceptionally valuable and insightful into his artistic practice.
  • Unique Vision: While influenced by Mughal aesthetics, Manaku developed a distinct style characterized by a refined sense of color, delicate detailing, and an ability to capture emotional depth in his figures.
  • He contributed significantly to the development of Pahari painting, establishing a foundation for future generations of artists in the region.

Historical Significance & Legacy

  • Manaku’s rediscovery has enriched our understanding of 18th-century Indian art and the vibrant artistic traditions of the Pahari region.
  • Family Atelier: He was part of a prolific family of artists – the Seu-Manaku-Nainsukh lineage – that played a crucial role in shaping the course of Pahari painting for over 150 years.
  • His work continues to inspire art enthusiasts and scholars, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage and the artistic brilliance of a previously overlooked master.
Manaku

Manaku

1760 , India

Quick Facts

  • Birth_Date: c. 1700
  • Birth_Place: Guler, India
  • Death_Date: 1760
  • Influenced: Nainsukh
  • Influenced_By: Mughal painting (through Seu)
  • Movement: Pahari Painting
  • Name: Manaku
  • Nationality: Indian
  • Notable_Works:
    • Rama releases the demon spies Shuka and Sarana
    • South Wind cools in the Himalayas
    • Hiranyakashipu commands his demon warriors to threaten and injure Prahlada
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