Ganga on a Crocodile c. 19th century

This 19th century Indian painting depicts the Hindu goddess Ganga, the personification of the Ganges River, riding a crocodile. Ganga is shown as a four-armed deity adorned with jewelry and seated on a lotus throne atop the crocodile. The painting's vibrant colors and detailed imagery evoke the grandeur and power of the goddess and the sacredness of the river. The scene reflects a popular Hindu myth about Ganga's descent from heaven to Earth on a crocodile, a story that speaks to the river's cleansing and life-giving properties. This piece, likely commissioned for a private devotee, exemplifies the rich tradition of devotional art in India.