Krishna Exacts a Toll from the Milkmaids: Dana-Lila, from a Bhagavata Purana
1600
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1600
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
You see a group of women carrying pots of milk and yogurt, stopped by a blue-skinned boy who blocks their path. He grins, hands on hips, while the women look frustrated. A cowherd in the background throws up his hands in annoyance. This painting shows a playful moment from a Hindu story about Krishna. He teases the milkmaids by demanding a toll for crossing "his" land, even though he’s just a mischievous god in disguise. The bright colors and simple shapes make the scene feel lively and fun. If you like this, look up paintings from the Rajput kingdom of Bikaner.
