Offered here is an antique Indian miniature painting depicting Narasimha, the lion-headed avatar of Vishnu, slaying the demon king Hiranyakashipu, a dramatic and well-known scene from Hindu mythology.

In the composition, Narasimha — shown with a lion’s head and human body — is seated within a temple shrine, violently overpowering the demon across his lap. The vivid depiction captures the climactic moment of the myth, in which Vishnu manifests as Narasimha to defeat the tyrant Hiranyakashipu and restore cosmic order. Attendant figures appear on either side within an ornate architectural setting.

The painting features strong colors, decorative floral borders, and fine hand-painted details typical of Rajasthani / Rajput devotional miniature paintings.

Details

• Origin: India (Rajasthan / Rajput School)

• Subject: Narasimha slaying Hiranyakashipu

• Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

• Period: Late 19th to early 20th century (estimate)

• Sheet size: Approximately 6 x 3 1/4 inches

• Unframed

Condition

• Age-related wear

• Edge losses and small tears

• Creasing and toning

• Minor paper losses at margins

• Overall displays well with strong colors

Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.