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Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana | musefully
Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana, c. 1830. opaque watercolor on paper, Overall: 22 x 33 cm (8 11/16 x 13 in.). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. MacDonald, 1971.301. CC0.
Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana
c. 1830
Maker Unknown
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Krishna Returns with the Cowherds to Braj, from a Bhagavata Purana, c. 1830. Northern India, Uttarakhand, probably Garhwal. Opaque watercolor on paper; overall: 22 x 33 cm (8 11/16 x 13 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. MacDonald 1971.301 The painting is based on Chapter 14 of Book 10 of the Bhagavata Purana in which the god Brahma hides the cowherds and calves of Krishna. After realizing his mistake and witnessing the divine prowess of Krishna, Brahma extols Krishna and returns to his abode while Krishna and his fellow cowherds enjoy a hearty meal and then return to Braj. On the left the scene of the picnicking herd boys shows them eating rice on banana leaves, while on the right they drive the cows home.
Inscription: On the back Inscription: 14 dhiai, 56 pehla deobhe bhojan chhak ke brindaban bich aaye mor mukut tang
ke Translation: Chapter 14. 56 - The Lord himself tasted the food first and then adorning his peacock-crown
arrived at Vrindavan’ Remark: Takri, verso, at the top Inscription: chitra 56 adhyah 10 chitra 2 Translation: ‘Painting no. 56, Chapter 14 - Image 2’ Remark: Devanagari, on the back, at the left Inscription: Natvabhishtam Jagddhata Svadhama Pratyapadyat
[indented]:
Ucushca Srihayadah Krishnam Svagatam Tehtiramhasa
Nekopyabhoji Kavala Ehiya Sadhu Bhujyatam. 44
Tato Hasan Hashikeshobhyavahritya Saharbhake
Darshayam Shracharmajagaram Nyavartat Vanad Vrajam.45
Evam Vihare Komare Komaram Jahaturvraje. Nilayane Setubandhermarkatotplavanadibhi. 60
[in red]:
Iti Srimadbhagvate Dashamaskande Purvardhe Brahamstutirnam Chaturdashodhyay. 14 Translation: ‘After bowing at Krishna’s feet, Brahma returned to his realm [Brahmaloka], which is adored by all.
The friends of Krishna said “It is well that you have come back with great expedition. Not a morsel
has yet been swallowed by us. Come this side and dine with us to your heart’s content.” 44
Thereupon Krishna laughed, took his meal with the cowherd boys and showing them the skin of
the python [Aghasura], he returned from the forest to Braj. 45 Thus Balarama and Krishna passed
their childhood in Braj in childlike pastimes such as hide-and-seek, construction of dams and
jumping about like monkeys. 60 Hence concludes the fourteenth chapter entitled ‘Brahma Extols
the Lord’ in the first half of the Book Ten of Bhagavata Purana.’14
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