Composite miniature painting

[1] Composite art depicts a figure composed in whole or part of different creatures, including human beings, animals, birds, reptiles, insects, or dinosaurs such as Brontosaurus.

The earliest known example of composite art is found in a Jain manuscript known as Devasano Pado Kalpasutra from the late 15th century, which is an amalgamation of an elephant and a horse.

A similar example from South India is from the late 16th century in Vijayanagar, which is also a combination of an elephant and a horse.

It is difficult to ascertain the first Mughal painting of composite art, but several images have been found from the court of Akbar.

Since it was difficult to create such a complex figure, these works required a skilled, mature, and creative artist.

[1][3] One of the main and earliest Mughal style composition showcases the head of animals growing on different natural elements such as vines.

The folklore which inspired the painting was that when Krishna wanted to leave, the gopis (maiden) would insist he stay.