For centuries, the ‘Dashavatara’ – the ten iconic incarnations of Lord Vishnu have inspired art, in myriad forms. This one is a contemporary depiction by talented artist Anjana  Datta, using natural pigments like earthy reds, ochres, andindigos, giving it an organic look. 

The colours are also handmade, originally from marigold flowers, seem leaves, brick etc. The Indigo colour, also created by Ms. Datta, comes from a shrub called ‘Pui Shak’.

Each avatar—ranging from the fish Matsya to the human-like Kalki—is painted with intricate detailing, emphasizing unique characteristics like Matsya’s fish form or Narasimha’s lion- headed figure. 

The scene is arranged in panels showcasing each form as a guardian of cosmic balance and protector of the world. The natural colours bring a rich, earthy elegance, grounding the divine forms in harmony with nature.

‘The Iconic Dashavatara’ is created on handmade paper, in the Patachitra style giving a back support with cloth. Size is 10.5” x 28”.

The ten avatars depicted, row-wise, left to right, are:

1. Matsya – The fish who saved the Vedas from a great flood.

2. Kurma – The tortoise who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean.

3. Varaha – The boar who rescued Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha.

4. Narasimha – The half-lion, half-man who killed the demon Hiranyakashipu.

5. Balarama – Krishna’s elder brother, symbolizing strength and loyalty, often
depicted with a Plow. 

6. Parashurama – The ascetic warrior with an axe who punished decadent kings.

7. Rama – The icon of the Ramayana, upholding dharma.

8. Krishna – The spiritual-statesman of the Mahabharata, known for his divine counsel in the Bhagavad Gita.

9. Vamana – The dwarf who subdued the asura king Bali with his cosmic strides.

10. Kalki – The future warrior on a white horse, who will end the age of darkness.