Dasavatara

Large cotton temple hanging containing a multicoloured, painted (kalamkari) picture panel sewn together from 3 lengths to create the overall height. The central panel depicts a deity in blue with his consort resting on his knee, probably Shiva and Parvati, with two attendants, the one on the right in blue holding a broken tusk, a reference to Ganesha. Below the main figure is a mouse, another reference to Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Four smaller figures are in a cloumn to the left hand. Above the main scene is a canopy, two further figures and parakeets. The central panel is set within a frame of circular motifs, flanked by floral vines. It is surrounded by horizontal narrative scenes, which appear to belong to Dasavatara legends concerning the ten incarnations of Vishnu, contained in smaller rectangles. In the top left corner is an invocation to Ganesha. Each register has a band of text underneath in the Telegu language. The whole is framed by another set of borders (floral motifs, flanked by floral chains). The panel is backed onto a larger, dark red cotton textile. Such cloths were (and are) used to decorate the upper parts of festival chariots and as temple hangings.