Basohli Miniature Painting of Kalki Avatar, The Future Incarnation of Vishnu

This Basholi style Pahari miniature painting depicts a future incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Kalki. Kalki, the blue-skinned individual, is seated with his legs folded on a low, intricately carved, four-legged stool. The stool is lined with pink cushioning, and raises the sitter a few inches off the ground signifying his importance.

In this incarnation, Kalki is associated with a white horse, Devadatta, who is seen here along with an assistant approaching Kalki with their heads bowed. The use of bold lines, a vivid colour palette, almond-shaped eyes, and pronounced patterning on the saddle blanket, armoury and clothing, are elements typical of Rajput style paintings.