Untitled (Mahabharata Series)

Published by an ‘Artist Press’ in India, the illustrated Mahabharata—one of the two major Sanskrit epics from ancient India—is an example of early metal engraving in India. It was popularised at centres such as the Serampore Mission Press, a book and newspaper publication centre in Bengal, founded by the Dutch in 1800. Amongst the pages on display, the title page­ features a hand-engraved calligraphy and image of Ganesh sitting with Vyasa and surrounded by sprawling foliage. The artists employed in the making of plates—with little or no training in academic practices—are able to fashion a three-dimensional space where the narrative can unfold. The only exception is the illustration of Karnavadh, where Arjuna’s chariot, driven by Krishna, is missing its wheels. Centres such as the Serampore Press aided in the circulation of popular texts—whether translations of the Bible or Hindu epics—in a cheap and affordable format for mass consumption.