Kumara
8th-9th century
Asia: India, Uttar Pradesh
On View

Kumara, also known as Skanda or Karttikeya, is the divine general of the gods and the son of Shiva and Parvati. Seated on his mount, the peacock, Kumara feeds the now headless bird a snack. Descriptions of Kumara in the Mahabharata state that shortly after his birth, he was chosen by the gods to lead them into battle. This scene is enacted in the relief above Kumara where two figures are seen anointing him with holy water. His youth is demonstrated by the distinctive sikhandaka (crested arrangement) hairstyle, which was worn by young boys.

Details

  • Title: Kumara
  • Date: 8th-9th century
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: 25 1/2 x 15 x 6 1/2 in. (64.8 x 38.1 x 16.5 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Norton Simon Foundation
  • Accession Number: F.1972.19.5.S
  • Copyright: © The Norton Simon Foundation

Object Information

To Do Battle: Conflict, Struggle, and Symbol in Art

  • Norton Simon Museum, 2002-03-08 to 2002-07-08
  • Pal, Pratapaditya, Asian Art at the Norton Simon Museum, Volume 1: Art from the Indian Subcontinent, 2003, no. 74 pp. 113-114
  • Campbell, Sara, Collector Without Walls: Norton Simon and His Hunt for the Best, 2010, cat. 809 p. 341
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