Krishna and friends in the forest of Vrindavan

The theme of this miniature painting from India is taken from Bhagavata Purana, the most popular and widely read of all Indian scriptures. The artist depicts a carefree and lighthearted Krishna and his friends sporting in the forest of Vrindavan at the end of the rainy season.

After the rains, the earth is carpeted with verdant grass, trees are covered with bright foliage and flowers bloom in profusion in every plant and shrub. The abundance and gaiety that the rainy season has bestowed on nature finds a resonance in the hearts of Krishna and his companions who gambol in the forest, while the calves look on placidly.

This Pahari painting in Kangra style is a splendid example of the art of miniature painting that flourished in India.