This is the setting where the Mahabharata was first recited, according to Story. We see thousands of snakes engulfed by a giant flame, while a young boy and an elderly sage argue with the king.
After Arjuna's grandson, Parikshit was killed by a snake-bite,
#Mahabharat

his son Janamejaya ascended the Hastinapur throne. Filled with hatred towards the creatures responsible for his father's death, Janamejaya ordered a grand snake-sacrifice, to extinguish the species altogether.

#snake

Thankfully, young Astika, son of the snake #goddess Manasa, and Vyasa succeeded in dissuading him going through with it. The #event was marked by the narration of the #Mahabharata to the king.

Such myths remain alive as long as poets and artists continue to reimagine them.This rendition seems to be set in the colonial mansions of 19th century Bengal.
-Early Bengal (Anonymous)
Untitled (Sarpa-satra or snake sacrifice)
Oil on canvas with gold highlight, late 19th c