Krishna is one of the most charming personalities in Indian culture who embodies a divine blend of faith, devotion and love. His playful nature breaks free from all formalities, which is why he is called Leela Purushottam – the Supreme Being of Divine Play. Among his many divine acts (leelas), Raasleela stands out. Krishna is full of divine essence and has appeared in multiple forms during this dance and performed it with the gopis (cowherd maidens). It is said that even Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh witnessed this heavenly spectacle, which had never been seen before.
Krishna's persona has inspired artists from across the world since time immemorial. Padma Shri awardee Ashok Kumar Biswas has captured Krishna's entire life story through this Tikuli painting. The artwork depicts key moments of Krishna’s life from Krishna’s birth to his final departure, including his childhood pranks, his role as protector of cows (Gopal), the butter thief (Makhan Chor), the subduer of Kaliya, the lifting of Govardhan Hill, the defeat of Kansa, the war with Jarasandha, Krishna playing the flute and scenes from the battlefield of Mahabharata, among others.
The painting is done on a black background which is a signature form of Tikuli Painting. The depiction of Govardhan-dhari Krishna (lifting the mountain) and Raasleela is particularly striking. In one scene, Krishna is shown holding the mountain with both hands, while in the Raasleela composition, Radha and Krishna are in the centre, surrounded by the gopis. Each image seems to have a soul, making the painting come alive with divine energy.
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