Calcutta Art Studio Lithograph
Region / Date
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal, India
1878–1883
Key Features
This rare and contemplative lithograph portrays Ganesha not in his familiar festive form, but as the divine scribe-immersed in the sacred act of recording the महान epic, the Mahabharata.
Seated cross-legged in a scholarly posture, Ganesha is depicted as a learned Brahmin, wearing simple white garments and the sacred thread. His focus is unwavering as he writes, capturing the dictation of the sage Vyasa, who composed the epic.
Around him lie discarded pens—subtle yet powerful details that emphasize the immense duration and intensity of the task. Unlike popular retellings where Ganesha uses his broken tusk as a writing instrument, here he is shown using a traditional pen, grounding the divine act within a more human, scholarly context.
At his side rests his faithful vehicle, the mouse, symbolizing humility and the ability to penetrate even the smallest spaces-just as knowledge reaches every corner of existence. The presence of manuscripts, ink pot, and writing tools transforms the scene into a sacred study-where knowledge itself becomes an offering.
This depiction highlights a profound aspect of Ganesha: not only as the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta), but as the lord of intellect, wisdom, and learning. He becomes the bridge between divine inspiration and human understanding.
Philosophically, the image represents the transmission of knowledge across realms-
from divine revelation to written word, from eternal truth to human memory.
Museum-Grade Poster Details
Size: 18 × 24 inches
Paper: 350 GSM archival matte paper
Print Quality: High-resolution reproduction preserving fine watercolor textures and lithographic detailing
Finish: Non-glare museum matte finish
Ideal For: Study spaces, offices, temples, and seekers of knowledge
Why You’ll Love It
A unique and intellectual portrayal of Ganesha—perfect for those who value wisdom, learning, and sacred knowledge.
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Bring home Shri Shri Ganesh - The Divine Scribe, a timeless symbol of intellect, devotion, and the power of sacred storytelling.
Available in 18 × 24 inches, with framed and unframed options, exclusively at The Soma Store.