Krishna in Colour and Craft: Art Forms that Depict the Divine Leelas

The Birth and Childhood of Krishna
Govardhan Leela
Kaliya Mardan
Dahi handi
Krishna and cows
Krishna with Gopis
Raas Leela
Radha Krishna
Krishna, the king and charioteer
Krishna Leela

Lord Krishna, who is the eighth avatara of Vishnu, born on the Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, marking the occasion of Janmashtami, a day of joy, devotion, cultural expression and midnight celebrations. Krishna is seen playing various roles throughout his life - from a deity in a human form, to a devoted son and brother, a loving friend, a playful cowherd, an ideal lover, a protector of nature, a slayer of demons, a king, a philosopher, a husband, a father, a guide and so on. The story of his life is narrated through various forms of art - melodious devotional songs and bhajans, dramatic performances like the Ras Leela and Krishna Leela bringing Krishna’s childhood and youthful exploits alive. High energy Dahi Handi sport events that recreate Krishna’s playful act of stealing butter, with human pyramids striving to reach a suspended pot. India has a living artistic tradition comprising various folk and tribal art forms. Through this blog, let’s reconstruct the life of Krishna through art, be it in the form of Pichwai paintings, Gond art, Kerala murals, Janmashtami paintings, Radha Krishna wall paintings, etc.

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The Birth and Childhood of Krishna

Krishna Janam, the story of the birth of Krishna and stories of Bal Krishna are very popular themes in Indian art forms. The below Phad painting, originating from Rajasthan, depicts the story of the birth of Krishna, and a few moments from his childhood. The first panel shows his birth in Kansa’s jail, depicting his parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, along with his maternal uncle Kansa. Further images include Vasudeva carrying Krishna to Gokul, crossing the Yamuna river, while Shesh naag gives him shelter from the pouring rain, placing him by Nand and Yashoda in Gokul. Many scenes from his childhood are shown, such as breaking the pot of curd or butter, liberating two spirits stuck in trees, and also him with gopis, cows and Radha.

The Birth of Krishna, Phad Painting by Kalyan Joshi

Pichwai paintings, originating from Nathdwara near Udaipur, Rajasthan, first emerged as a backdrop for Shrinathji, an embodiment of Krishna as a child. Today, these paintings depict various scenes from Krishna’s childhood as well as the different festive celebrations undertaken to worship him.

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We can see one such painting below. To the left of this Pichwai painting, the artist captures the moment of Krishna's birth, where he is warmly welcomed by the people of Vrindavan. Yashoda and Nanda are depicted lovingly sitting beside a cradle holding Kanha (Shrinathji), symbolizing selfless love of parents, or Vatsalya Bhava in the divine tableau. The infant Krishna is beautifully adorned and garlanded.

Shrinath Ji, Pichwai Painting by Sushil Soni

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Govardhan Leela

The below Pichwai, Phad and Kerala mural paintings depict the Govardhan Leela of Krishna, which gave him the name "Govardhan Girdhari", or the one who lifted the Govardhan mountain. As the story goes, the villagers of Gokul were preparing for a grand puja to worship Indra, the rain God, as a mark or gratitude for sustenance. Krishna suggested worshipping the Govardhan mountain instead, which was the source of their livelihood. This directed the wrath of Indra towards the villagers in the form of a turbulent storm. To protect the humans and animals from the storm, Krishna lifted the Govardhan mountain on the little finger of his left hand, giving shelter to everyone under it.

Lord Krishna lifting mount Govardhan In Pichwai by Shehzaad Ali Sherani

Goverdhanleela: Phad Painting by Kalyan Joshi

Govardhana Leela in Kerala Mural by Jijulal

Kaliya Mardan

One of the most popular and widely depicted stories associated with Krishna’s childhood, is that of Kaliya Mardan, where young Krishna dives into the poisoned Yamuna river to defeat the venomous serpent Kaliya, whose presence had made the waters deadly. Dancing gracefully upon the serpent’s many hoods, Krishna forces him into submission. Kaliya, thus defeated and humbled, promises to leave the river, restoring life and purity to its waters. This act symbolises divine power overcoming evil and restoring harmony. This story is depicted in the below Kerala Mural and Kalamkari paintings.

Kaliya Mardhana In Kerala Mural by Jijulal

Kalia Mardan in kalamkari by Siva Reddy

Dahi handi

Another important aspect of Krishna’s childhood is the stealing of butter, as depicted in the below Kalamkari painting, earning him the name “makhan chor”. Along with his friends, the gopas, Krishna would form human pyramids to steal curd, butter and milk hung in pots by villagers to keep them out of reach. This celebrated Krishna’s mischievous charm. It has now evolved into a festive sport during Janmashtami in Maharashtra and other parts of western India, symbolizing teamwork, devotion and the joyous spirit of Krishna’s life, where groups of young people form human pyramids and attempt to break a pot of curd (thus the name, dahi handi).

Krishna : Kalamkari painting by Harinath.N

Krishna and cows

Krishna is also known as Gopala, or the protector of cows. As his story was set in a pastoral society, there is a lot of emphasis given on cattle and dairy. Cows are known as Krishna’s divine companions, and form excellent themes for Indian artworks. In the below Mysore painting, Krishna is seen surrounded by cows, lovingly interacting with them, enchanting them with the melodious tunes of his flute.

Sri Krishna with Cows In Mysore by Raghavendra B B

Similarly, this Sikki grass painting, A unique and traditional handicraft originating from the state of Bihar, depicts Krishna with a cow with intricate designs on a handmade board using a special type of dried grass known as Sikki, or "Golden Grass”.

Krishna in Sikki Grass work by Suraj Kumar Sahu

Through this vibrant Cheriyal Wall Plate, originating from the enchanting village of Cheriyal in India dating back centuries, the artist showcases Lord Krishna serenading his bovine companions under a tapestry of flowery trees, weaving a tale of pastoral delight.

Krishna with cows Cheriyal Wall Plates by Sai Kiran

Sanjhi art, a traditional Indian folk art form, particularly known in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, involves creating intricate designs by cutting patterns into paper stencils, traditionally used to make rangolis on temple floors and walls, especially during the evening (sanjh). The art is deeply connected to the worship of Lord Krishna and his consort Radha, with stories and motifs from their lives often depicted. The below piece depicts Shreenathji surrounded by cows.

The Divine Herd: Ashutosh Verma's Shrinath Ji Sanjhi

The below miniature painting depicts cows in a lotus grove. The cows are rendered in white, symbolising purity, while the saffron handprints on their back indicate Krishna’s divine presence and their connection to him. The lotus is deeply associated with Krishna as a symbol of his purity, grace and divine beauty, reflected in his lotus feet, lotus-like eyes, and the lotus-shaped spiritual abode, Goloka. Just as a lotus rises above murky water, Krishna's presence is transcendent and untouched by material attachments. The lotus also represents the potential for spiritual growth and the ultimate source of all pleasure for his devotees.

Krishna's Cows and Lotuses in Miniature Painting by Mohan Prajapati

Krishna with Gopis

Gopis are widely depicted in Krishna paintings. Be it mischievous, young Krishna breaking their pots of butter, stealing their clothes from the banks of Yamuna, or simply enchanting them with his melodious flute, these paintings symbolise the divine love and connection each person, each devotee can experience with Krishna. The below Kalighat and Madhubani paintings depict Krishna with Gopis.

Uttam Chitrakar's Artistic Journey: A Kalighat Painting Tale

Krishna And Gopis Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi

Raas Leela

The Raas Leela, as depicted in the below Madhubani and Pichwai paintings, is the divine love dance with the gopis, which represents the union of the Paramtma and the Jeevatma. These paintings depict gopis dancing in a circle, Krishna dancing with each gopi, symbolising how Krishna belongs to, and loves everyone equally. At the center of the circle is Krishna, dancing with Radha, his beloved consort.

Raas Leela Madhubani Painting By Ambika Devi

Raas-Leela: Pichwai Art by Dinesh Soni

Radha Krishna

Radha Krishna wall paintings are the most popular among Krishna paintings. They are depicted in various poses, embracing, on a swing, dancing, sitting, Krishna playing the flute and Radha lovingly gazing at him, surrounded by gopis, animals, etc. These paintings represent divine and sacred love between the couple, which transcends boundaries of time, space and societal norms.

This Mughal Miniature painting portrays a romantic scene between Radha and Krishna, seated embraced in a flower grove, with his flute lying nearby. This lively portrayal on aged paper, bearing the royal stamp of the Jaipur court, evokes memories of the bygone era of royal miniature workshops.

Krishna Radha In Mughal Miniature by Mohan Prajapati

This Tanjore painting captures the timeless love of Radha and Krishna with unparalleled brilliance. This traditional art form, originating in Tanjore, India, narrates an age-old story through its vivid colors and intricate details. With rich gold leaf embellishments that glisten like divine blessings, the radiant duo of Radha and Krishna swing gracefully amidst a tapestry of jewel-toned backgrounds.

Radha Krishna: Tanjore Painting by Sanjay Tandekar

This Radha-Krishna Pattachitra Painting, hand-etched on traditional Palm Leaf (Talapatra Khodai), is a symphony of artistry and heritage. This ancient Odishan craft, steeped in history, pays homage to Lord Krishna's divine love.

Radha Krishna in Palm Leaf (Talapatra Khodai) Art by Apindra Swain

This beautiful Kangra painting of the Pahari school shows a beautiful landscape with Radha and Krishna depicted in a serene embrace.

Radha Krishna: Kangra Painting by Mukesh Kumar Dhiman

The below Kishnagrah painting embodies the Raag Megh, with Radha and Krishna surrounded by gopis.

Divine Echoes of Raag Megh in Kishangarh Style of Painting by Shehzaad Ali Sherani

In Krishna Prakash's Surpur artwork, Radha and Krishna emerge as timeless symbols of love, reverence, and devotion. Their eternal bond transcends generations, infused with a creative flair while staying rooted in tradition. The black canvas serves as a backdrop, accentuating the purity and vibrancy of the depicted love. Delicate white lines intricately weave the narrative, bringing out the essence of the divine connection between Radha and Krishna.

Radha Krishna in Surpur Art by Krishna Prakash

This exquisite Tarkashi artwork is a breathtaking portrayal of Radha and Krishna’s eternal love, intricately rendered through the delicate brass wire inlay technique on rich Sheesham wood.

Divinity in Tarkashi Inlay: Radha Krishna by Gaurav Shakya

Krishna, the king and charioteer

After Krishna grew up and slew his maternal uncle Kamsa, he went on to become the king of the city of Dwarka, where he is worshipped in the form of Dwarikadhish, the Lord of Dwarka. He plays a very important role in the Mahabharata, as a cousin and guide of the Pandavas, and Arjuna’s charioteer for the great war, when he shares with him the timeless wisdom of the Bhagvad Gita. This scene is depicted in many Indian artworks, like these Kalamkari paintings below.

Divine Charioteer Krishna: Kalamkari painting by Sudheer

The Divine Chariot: Lord Krishna and Arjuna in Kalamkari by Mannasamudram Viswanath Reddy

Krishna Leela

All these events come together to form one large narrative - the story of Krishna’s life - Krishna Leela. These stories are depicted in various art forms.

These meticulously painted scenes in the below Pattachitra paintings depict various episodes from Krishna's remarkable life journey, from his miraculous birth in Mathura to his enchanting childhood in Vrindavan and his later divine teachings in Kurukshetra.

Purusottam Swain's Krishna Pattachitra: An Artistic Odyssey

Purusottam Swain's Krishna Pattachitra: A Visual Feast

Tapestry of Krishna's Life: Pattachitra by Purusottam Swain

The Kavad is a mobile story-telling device that sometimes serves as a temporary temple. It is created by combining the skills of carpentry, painting and narration. As separate professions, the carpenter is called a suthar, an artist is a chitrakar, and a story teller is a bhat. The Kavad makers combine the work of the carpenter and artist, while the Kavadia Bhats do the narration. The Kavad is made only in a village called Bassi, in Chittorgarh District of Rajasthan. This Kavad tells the story of Krishna’s life.

Krishna Kavad by Satyanarayan (Green)

This vibrant Cheriyal Scroll Painting transports you to the vivid world of Lord Krishna, a realm where divine strength meets rustic charm. This piece centers on the awe-inspiring moment when Lord Krishna effortlessly lifts Mount Govardhan on his little finger, shielding his people from a deluge sent by the gods, surrounded by panels narrating other stories from his life. The artist’s skilled hands bring this story to life with the traditional Cheriyal art form, known for its vibrant hues and intricate motifs.

In all these different art forms, Krishna is depicted in different art styles, with varied expressions and features, backgrounds, etc., but certain aspects of his iconography remain constant. His dark complexion, the reason why he is called Shyam; his peacock feather, a symbol of beauty and connection to nature; his flute, representing divine love, enchantment and the call to spiritual awakening, its music symbolising the soul's longing for union with the divine; and his attire, a yellow dhoti, pitambar; with the classic white and red tilak on his forehead; his playful expressions, loving eyes and charming smile; these attributes can be seen in all Krishna art.

Thus, these art forms explore various aspects of Krishna, helping us get to know the different stories from his life, understanding his journey from a holistic viewpoint, celebrating his birth and life in true sense, and search for a bit of Krishna in ourselves, playful yet gentle, calm, loving and wise.

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