In the tapestry of the Kangra school of Rajput paintings, the stories of Radha and Krishna, inspired by the poetic romance of Gita Govinda and the devotional affection or Bhakti of Vaishnavism are the assured crown jewels. For the painters, creating a painting of Radha-Krishna is a part of “Chitra Seva”- service to Krishna through Chitra or painting, thus giving rise to a treasure chest of works rich in visual poetry and spiritual symbolism. This fine Kangra painting draws from the poem of Jaideva, known as “Gita Govinda” or Song of Govinda (Krishna).
Amongst the many Lilas of the divine duo, a heartwarming episode is that of Radha’s Maan-Lila, where she is angered by the mischievous Krishna and his association with another Gopis. Radha gives up all her Sringaar as a sign of her protest and is finally cajoled with sweet words by Krishna, who adorns his beloved in regal fineries, from head to toe.
Jaideva masterfully described Krishna combing Radha’s hair, and relishing in her company, a tale which has been narrated by the painter of this artwork. Radha and Krishna sit in the wilderness of Vrindavan, surrounded by trees in full bloom to mirror the blossoming of love.
Fragrant flowers sprout all around the divine couple, creating a heavenly ambiance on the canvas. Yamuna flowing in the foreground is filled with lotuses and gushes past the couple, experiencing the sweetness of their togetherness, which seems to have filled the clouds in the sky, which appear ready to rain Maadhurya (sweetness) on earth.
Looking at each other with a warmth beyond words, Radha and Krishna emanate Sringaar- the rasa of romance, that pervades each particle of this painting.
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