Shiva in his form as Bichandi or Bhikshatana
1820
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1820
paint
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Shiva in his form as Bichandi or Bhikshatana is a 1820 paint by Unknown, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a large, colorful figure standing over a smaller one. The big figure has four arms, a red skirt with gold patterns, and a crown with a flame on top. One arm holds a trident, another points upward, and the others make hand gestures. The smaller figure wears a yellow skirt and holds something up to its head. Bright colors like red, gold, and yellow stand out. The smaller figure looks like it’s offering something to the larger one, which might be a key part of the story. The painting’s bold colors and dramatic poses fit a style that was popular in the early 1800s. If you like this, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more paintings like it.
Shiva appears in his Bichandi or Bhikshatana form as a white-skinned, nude figure wearing a red loin-cloth and garlands of jewels and skulls. He has four arms, holding a trident and a blood-bowl in two hands, and a drum and a deer in the other two. A flame crowns his hair, and a yellow-skinned attendant carries a bowl containing eyes on his head before the god.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
