Karna Attacks Ghatotkacha (text, recto; painting, verso), folio from a Razmnama (Book of War) series c. 1616 - 1617

Editor: This is "Karna Attacks Ghatotkacha," a folio from a Razmnama series, attributed to Kamal. It's teeming with figures and text; it feels both chaotic and carefully arranged. What stands out to you? Curator: It’s fascinating how the artist uses scale to emphasize power. The Rakshasa Ghatotkacha looms large, a cultural symbol of untamed strength. Notice how his exaggerated size contrasts with the comparatively diminutive human figures below. Editor: So, the Rakshasa's size amplifies his cultural significance? Curator: Precisely. It’s a visual shorthand, instantly conveying his mythical status and the epic scale of the battle. It reminds us of the symbolic weight imagery carries across cultures and time. Editor: I never thought about size as a cultural indicator! Curator: It often is. Think about how deities are depicted in various traditions. What have we learned today? Editor: I'll definitely be paying more attention to the size of figures and their cultural context from now on.