Krishna uproots the twin Arjuna trees — Lalita Kapilavai
© Lalita Kapilavai. Sacred Art & Carnatic Music Archive. Digital reproduction, automated screen captures, and unauthorized printings are strictly prohibited.

Krishna uproots the twin Arjuna trees
Natural pigments, shell gold on Wasli paper • L= 27.5cms; W=21.5cms
Krishna uproots the twin Arjuna trees
Iconographic Commentary & Symbolism
This painting forms part of Palam Bhagavata Purana series and depicts one of the childhood leelas, divine sport of Krishna. By uprooting the twin trees he liberates the two celestial beings (Yaksha) namely Nalakuvara and Manigriva, of a curse in their previous birth. This event is celebrated in Gokul as Damodara leela. The painting is divided into two halves: the child Krishna sports his leela in the right half while one of the attendants informs this event to mother Yashoda in the left half. Limited colour palette, bold lines and highly stylised forms are characteristics of this early and indigenous style of Rajput paintings.
