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A Prince Performs Austerities (recto), from a Romance of Chandrabhanu and Lavanyavati of Upendra Bhanja (1670–1740)

1700s
Gum tempera and lampblack on palm leaf

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FROM THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART’S CATALOG

In this illustration from the beginning of a popular romance, a prince performed intense austerities and devotions to the Shiva linga in order to obtain a divine woman. He practices yoga surrounded by fires during the hot season and wanders unsheltered during monsoon, as seen on the recto. On the verso, Shiva has answered his prayers and returns home to his "cave on Mount Kailash," as stated in the inscription.

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