A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE IMAGE OF KRISHNA IN RAJASTHANI AND PAHARI MINIATURE PAINTINGS

Abstract [English]

In the Indian artistic tradition, the depiction of Shri Krishna exists as a multidimensional cultural, religious, artistic, and poetic heritage. Especially in the Rajasthani and Pahari miniature painting styles, the image of Shri Krishna is portrayed not merely as a divine deity to be worshipped, but as a complete hero, friend, lover, and a playful, dynamic personality. Thus, Krishna is not only a historical or mythological figure but a living symbol of India’s cultural consciousness. Primarily, literary works such as the Bhagavata Purana, Bihari Satsai, Gita Govinda, and Rasikpriya have expanded and enriched Krishna’s imagery. For painters inspired by Vaishnavism, Krishna served as a subject encompassing the totality of aesthetic emotions (rasas), emotional maturity, and vast possibilities of visual imagination. Generally, in these miniature painting traditions, the image of Shri Krishna provided a unique aesthetic vision and profound emotional expression to the miniature art tradition. Both these styles, in accordance with their distinct geographical conditions, cultural backgrounds, and religious inclinations, gave tangible form to various representations of Krishna’s divine plays (leelas), emotions, and relationships.