mahabharta

One of the most nuanced and inspiring characters in the Mahabharata would be that of Kunti. Her story arc has several layers and her complex childhood and her yearning to be loved all have a purpose.

The secret meeting of Surya, the sun god, depicted in this artwork, with the young Kunti that led to the birth of Karna displays her naivety. The social and psychological barriers make it impossible to reveal her surreptitious pregnancy. A young mother forced to conceal her new born baby by placing him in a basket and entrusting him to the waters of the Yamuna River.

The sunlight is absolutely protagonist in the painting and highlights the predominant narrative and artistic element.