Radha and Krishna under a kadamba tree

Karpoori Devi shows here the charming flute-playing Hindu god Krishna flirtatiously teasing Radha, his favorite among the village cowherds, by knocking down the pitcher she carries. The romantic exploits and divine play (lila) of Krishna and Radha are central themes in devotional stories and songs, where their relationship represents the love between god and his devotees. Stories about Radha and Krishna have long been popular subjects for artists.

Here we see the elegant divine couple in a lush forest setting. Karpoori Devi pays particular attention to, in addition to the resplendent Krishna and Radha, the auspicious kadamba tree under which they stand. The tree, with its distinctive round yellow flowers, takes on a vibrant life of its own; its branches become frames for the figures and homes for the birds that seem to be spectators to Krishna’s delight and playfulness.