The Duel between Bhim and Duryodhan

This painting, titled "Fight between Bhima and Duryodhan," created by Ustad Abduji in the early 17th century in the Rajasthani style in Bikaner, captures the epic clash from the Mahabharata. It is on display at the @csmvsmumbai. This opaque watercolor on paper scene combines intensity with solemnity, dividing the battleground from the serene assembly of onlookers—deities, sages, and warriors who witness this critical duel. The calm postures of the spectators contrast with the chaos below, highlighting the moral weight of this climactic moment.

Bhima, motivated by his vow to avenge Draupadi, faces Duryodhan, whose defiant stance reflects his tragic pride and impending fate. The detailed architecture and lush landscapes point to the Rajput school’s love for naturalism, while the stylised gestures and elongated forms of the figures reveal Persian miniature influences. The temples in the background aren’t just decorative—they signify the divine context of the duel, as if the gods themselves have set the stage, observing the epic clash unfold on the earthly plane. This reflects the belief that the battle was not merely a human conflict but an event with cosmic significance, influencing the moral balance of the universe.

In the lower section, the scattered bodies of warriors and animals underscore the war’s devastation. The use of color contrasts life and death, compelling viewers to reflect on the costs of human pride and greed. The spectators, likely including the Pandavas and Krishna, are painted with attentive expressions, their placement drawing the viewer's gaze away from the carnage below to the duel that holds everyone’s focus. The artist invites viewers to contemplate the violence & the broader implications of the war and its effects on dharma and society. The attention to detail in the figures’ clothing, their postures, and the division of space all contribute to the painting’s portrayal of a story that transcends the battlefield. The scene is a reminder of how, in the context of Indian epics, battles are not just struggles for power—they are tests of character, morality and destiny.