Krishna killing the crane demon Bakasura. Preparatory drawing for Bhagavata Purana series 1770 - 1800

This preparatory drawing, created by the family of Manaku between 1770 and 1800, depicts the Hindu god Krishna slaying the crane demon Bakasura. The drawing serves as a preparatory study for a larger series based on the Bhagavata Purana, a sacred Hindu text. The scene, rendered in delicate lines, shows Krishna standing on the demon's back, his arm raised to deliver the killing blow, while a group of cowherds look on. The drawing is a testament to the artistic tradition of depicting Hindu mythology in India, which has continued for centuries. The inclusion of animals in the scene adds to the narrative's richness and complexity.