PUTNI KNOWLEDGE EDUCATION
15 x 11.5 inches
Pigment and water colour wash on paper
Signature- Below right

“Daskhat” (Bond of Slavery) by Kshitindranath Mazumdar is a powerful and deeply evocative painting that explores themes of bondage, sacrifice, and suffering. As a key artist of the Bengal School of Art, Mazumdar was known for his emotive storytelling and the use of Indian mythological and historical narratives. In this painting, he captures the pain of enslavement, portraying the emotional weight of individuals bound by fate or forced submission.
The central figure, often depicted in a state of helplessness and sorrow, symbolizes those who are trapped in the cruel grip of oppression. The act of signing (Daskhat) a bond suggests an irreversible fate—perhaps a contract of servitude or forced allegiance, emphasizing the harsh realities of human suffering. Mazumdar’s subtle use of muted tones, delicate lines, and expressive detailing enhances the painting’s emotional depth, making the viewer feel the silent despair of the subject.