Slaying of the Demoness Putana

Origin: Indian, Punjab Hills, Kangra or Guler
Date: About 1850-1900
Medium: Opaque watercolor
Gift of Clara T. and Gilbert J. Yager
86.36

In another attempt to kill Krishna, the evil king Kamsa sends the demoness Putana to Krishna's village in the form of a beautiful wet nurse with poisonous milk. Krishna's foster mother Yosada unknowingly accepts Putana into her home to help nurse Krishna. However, the clever Krishna knew that Putana was a demoness and killed her by sucking the life out of her breast. Upon her death, Putana assumed her true demon identity. In the foreground, the villagers dismember her huge form so that they can burn the body, which is shown in the upper left corner.