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.

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Maker Unknown
Classification: Painting
Formatted Medium: opaque watercolor on paper
Medium: opaque, watercolor, paper
Dimensions: Overall: 22 x 33 cm (8 11/16 x 13 in.)
Inscribed: 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
Departments: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Accession Number: 1971.301
Credit Line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John D. MacDonald
Exhibitions: Consuming Passions: The Art of Food and Drink, Artlens Exhibition 2017
Rights Statement: CC0