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Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana, c. 1830. Creator: Unknown
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Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana, c. 1830. Creator: Unknown
Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana, c. 1830. This miniature summarizes some of Krishnas many exploits with the cowherds. The later Pahari artists from the courts and small kingdoms in the western Himalayan foothills often use this device of combining many sequential events within one composition. In the background, the figure of the Hindu god Brahma, riding on his goose and holding the attributes of a Hindu priest (sacred texts, prayer beads, and water pot), references the various competitions in which he tried to engage Krishna at the cowherds expense. In the upper right is Aghasura, the giant snake demon who opened his mouth so that the cowherds entered, thinking it a cave; Krishna also went in and, swelling instead, burst the demon, so they could all escape through the top of his head. The two scenes in the foreground, also traditional subjects, are contrastingly peaceful, quotidian and bucolic, rather than heroic. Although the attribution to Hindur--a small state aligned with Kangra--is possible, the series more closely resembles works done in Garhwal, visually. Heavy striations across layers of rippling hills capped with small, round bushes are a typical feature of Garhwal landscapes, and flowering trees along with bare branches protruding from trees or bushes also characterize the Garhwal style. Finally, figures drawn with heavy outlines are seen in many paintings from Garhwal, as they are in this series
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Media ID 19629733
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Northern India Opaque Watercolour On Paper Uttarakhand
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj" showcases a stunning miniature artwork from the Bhagavata Purana, created around 1830 by an unknown artist. The composition beautifully captures various episodes of Krishna's adventures with the cowherds. Intriguingly, Pahari artists from the western Himalayan foothills often employed this technique of combining multiple sequential events into one composition, as seen here. In the background, we witness Brahma, the Hindu god riding on his goose and adorned with attributes of a priest. This references his futile attempts to engage Krishna in competitions at the expense of the cowherds. The upper right corner reveals Aghasura, a giant snake demon who deceived the cowherds by disguising himself as a cave. However, Krishna bravely entered and ultimately defeated him by bursting out through his head along with all those trapped inside. Contrasting these heroic scenes are two peaceful foreground depictions that portray everyday life in rural settings. These bucolic images evoke tranquility and simplicity amidst Krishna's extraordinary exploits. While it is possible that this artwork originates from Hindur—a small state aligned with Kangra—the series more closely resembles works produced in Garhwal visually. The heavy striations across rippling hills and distinctive features such as flowering trees and figures drawn with bold outlines align with typical characteristics found in Garhwal-style paintings. Overall, this exquisite print offers us a glimpse into both mythological tales and artistic traditions of ancient India—an enchanting blend of heroism and serenity captured within one frame.
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