top of page
Writer's pictureTrulyTribal.In Tribal Art Gallery

Lord Krishna depiction in Indian Art


Sri Krishna, the Indian Deity symbolizing universal love, is the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu - the second of the Holy Hindu Trinity. The legends and stories of Krishna are spread across the whole milieu of Indian theology, philosophy and culture. He is known to have a pastoral childhood but he grew up to become one of the world's greatest warriors and teachers. Besides having a prominent religious connotation, the cult of Krishna has inspired various performing arts, literature and paintings. On this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami let’s explore a little about Krishna and his delightful presentation in the Indian art form.


The beginning and history of the legend Krishna are perplexing. Over a time of 1,000 years or more, many strands combine to shape a transcendent, diverse person called Krishna. Fantasies and legends related to him plague India's writing just as its visual and performing expressions. Simultaneously, there are philosophical and ritualistic works that interpenetrate into the tasteful speculations and imaginative articulations.

The life and teachings of Lord Krishna are collectively known as Krishna Leela and is one of the most prominent themes in Indian Art & craft. One of the most charismatic, realistic, relatable, realistic, childlike and naughty figures in Hindu religious scriptures with un-ending stories has inspired the creative minds and made his presence in timeless pieces of arts and crafts.


Painting, music, dance, and theater were the visual, aural, and dynamic partners of this incredible and unavoidable development. Any record of the Krishna subject in Indian artwork has essentially to perceive the ascent of Vaishnavism, the well-known bhakti development, and the effect of the verse of the bhakti artist holy people. All this resulted in having the whole school of Literature, Architecture & visual art forms be it dance, music, paintings, sculptures & other crafts which are dedicated to Lord Krishna.


Proof of the Krishna topic in Indian art must be followed to the brilliant enormous scope portrayal of the subject as Bal-Krishna is often depicted as a naughty child-stealing butter, as a cowherd protecting cows, as a mischievous adolescent who charmed young women and a slayer of demons whereas as an adult Krishna is considered as a supreme diplomat, and especially the preacher of the sacred verse, Bhagavad-Gita at a time of war. All this makes for amazing & mesmerizing storyboards for any kind of art


The Bhāgavata Purāṇa unites the few legends into an amazing account, which has held the creative mind of specialists and fans the same for centuries or more. Jayadeva composed a sonnet named Gītā Govinda in the twelfth century.

Classical Indian dance forms like Odissi, Manipuri, and Kathakali drew heavily on the Krishna-Leela.

Various schools of painting (Pichwai, Pattachitra, Kerala Murals, Tholu Bombalata, Tanjore & Mysore Painting, Madhubani, etc.) have been inspired by the Krishna legends & stories.

Shrinathji in Pichwai Painting

Lord Krishna is often depicted as Shrinathji in Pichwai paintings, which is the deity manifest as a seven-year-old child. On the other hand, pattachitra paintings are also based on Hindu Religious scriptures and are especially inspired by the Jagannath and Vaishnava sects.


Tanjore painting is a royal & ancient art of South India. It is the southern pride in India. Most of these paintings were done in the temples of India. Every detail in the painting is carefully done with gold foil & acrylic paints. Again, you will find the majority of the Tanjore paintings based on the themes of Lord Krishna.


Some popular subjects like Lord Rama's coronation or Bala Krishna with his mother Yashoda are often seen in Mysore paintings, along with other more rare depictions of Vaishnavite saints, mythological figures such as Garuda, or Vishnu in his different avatars. The Mysore woodcraft is another beautiful creation by mankind that is again inspired by the almighty Krishna.

Jaganthji in Pattachitra Painting

In Madhubani paintings, motifs are related to Hindu Religious scriptures, flora, and fauna. One can find the most famous paintings of Madhubani of Radha and Krishna, Ram and Sita, Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha, and other deities.


Mischievous childhood with incredibly brave stories & Radha Krishna's romantic tale are the most delightful illustrations of the "preeminent spread of heavenly vibrations." No big surprise they are the best present for each event to get the great energies in your modest habitation.


Not just Krishna idols/ painting, but also everything related to him has inspired the Indian art sector – Be it flute, cows, Peacock feathers, Lotus, Makhan & Mishri, Vaijaynti mala, Tulasi & so on.

Vatapatrasayi depiction in Mysore Painting

The importance of Bal Krishna


Having a Bal Gopal / Laddu Gopal at home is believed to have a playful child at home blessed with happiness.


Bala Gopal, the baby krishna, lies on a banyan leaf, content, innocent, with a hint of amusement on his face with water all around him. n Sanskrit, this particular form of Krishna is called Vatapatrasayi (Lord of the Banyan Leaf). It is one of the more popular images of the god, beautifully rendered in both Indian paintings and sculptures.




Very much like keeping Ganesha Paintings can carry the best of luck to any new business. Also, keeping Lord Buddha compositions eliminates pessimism from the house. Nonetheless, in case you are recently hitched, and you hang Radha Krishna works of art in your home, then, at that point, it can bring you gigantic karma in your wedded life ahead.


Their unqualified love and commitment toward one another have shown humans many ages about the genuine importance of adoration. Thus, it would be truly propitious for a couple to drape a canvas of Radha Krishna love in their room.

As per Vastu Shastra, hanging Radha Krishna artistic creations in the room supports love between the couple and patches any dissensions in conjugal relations. Furthermore, in case you are an unmarried lady or man, it can present to you an ideal and adoring soul mate.

Conclusion

The Krishna subject, as is clear from even this brief and general overview, has for more than 2,000 years caught and delighted the Indian mind. Behind the wonder of a stunning variety and particular territorial, neighbourhood, or individual and evolving style, there is unmistaken solidarity of vision and reliance upon the abstract sources, in most if not all pieces of India. The lasting and the transient, the antiquated, middle age, and current move as though a couple, not clashing or refuting, yet expanding upon the got and given. The extent of improvisation and variety inside an ambit is immense. Maybe this is the conundrum of the Krishna subject, which has held the creative mind of the old and keeps on connecting with the contemporary and present day.


Sri Krishna far exceeds the confines of being a religious icon of love, devotion and wisdom; He is also a muse and cultural phenomenon in the creative world of arts and literature.


628 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page