This Basholi style Pahari miniature painting depicts a future incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Kalki. Kalki, the blue-skinned individual, is seated with his legs folded on a low, intricately carved, four-legged stool. The stool is lined with pink cushioning, and raises the sitter a few inches off the ground signifying his importance.
In this incarnation, Kalki is associated with a white horse, Devadatta, who is seen here along with an assistant approaching Kalki with their heads bowed. The use of bold lines, a vivid colour palette, almond-shaped eyes, and pronounced patterning on the saddle blanket, armoury and clothing, are elements typical of Rajput style paintings.
Regarding the tenth Avatar Kalki, it has yet to appear on the earth, but is set to arrive at the end of the Kali Yuga as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita (8:17). Due to his pending arrival, Kalki is the most mysterious of the avatars.
Painting Source: Museum of Design Excellence, Mumbai
