Lot 292 YAMADUTAS DRAGGING SOULS TO HELL, KANGRA, PUNJAB HILLS, 19TH CENTURY
Reference: ART3008314
Watercolor on paper.
47 by 42 cm.
Framed.
Pahari miniature painting (Kangra or Basohli school, circa 18th-19th century).
In this vivid scene, two animal-headed messengers of Yama, the god of death, haul a bound soul across a fiery hellish landscape using heavy chains.
Below, the tormented soul lies prostrate amid flames, while above another Yamaduta leads a second soul, accompanied by Yama's sacred white dog. Rendered with the characteristic bright yellow ground, bold outlines and expressive figures of Pahari art, the painting illustrates the fate of sinful souls as described in the Garuda Purana. It serves as a powerful moral reminder of karma and divine judgement in the afterlife.