Krishna Fluting for the Gopis

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In a lush grove traversed by a silver stream filled with leaping fish and blooming lotuses, the blue-skinned Krishna woos his devoted gopi s (female cowherds) by playing music on his bansuri (bamboo flute). The gopi s’ infatuation with Krishna serves as a metaphor for the unconditional attachment ( bhakti ) of a devotee to their lord. Through personal adoration, they can attain union with the supreme deity. The theme of devotion is echoed in the pairs of waterfowl clustered around the river bank in the foreground. The painting’s large format and thumbprint foliage are characteristic of Jodhpur, capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Marwar in present-day Rajasthan and home to one of the distinguished traditions of Rajput painting.

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