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 gond painting 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.
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