NORTH INDIA, PAHARI REGION, 1830-50

Bana, a mighty asura, once ruled over a large kingdom. So strong and fierce was his influence that all the kings and even some of the gods shuddered in front of him. As an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Banasura worshipped him with great devotion. Shiva was pleased with Bana's penances and granted Bana a boon. The asura in turn asked Shiva to come and guard the gates of his city. Shiva was furious but he had to accede to Banasura's wish. Bana was not only pleased with his achievement, but with Lord Shiva himself at his service, he became all the more arrogant. One day Banasura told Lord Shiva that he wanted to fight someone who was as strong and as mighty as him. Shiva granted him his wish, saying it would be a great warrior that would defeat Bana and curb his arrogance; that warrior was Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu.
When Krishna came to rescue his abducted grandson from Bana's palace, Shiva's prophecy came true. The two paintings in the following lot illustrate the outcome of the battle.