Krishna and gopis

In this festive scene, the flute-playing Krishna is seen presiding over devotees who perform the Dandiya Raas, a dance typical of western India during which the performers strike wooden sticks. The couples, in dress characteristic of the Marathas of Maharashtra, dance in a circle around Krishna, who is standing on a blue lotus bloom. This setting evokes the Raslila dance between Krishna and the milkmaids (gopis), as described in the Bhagavata Purana and the Gita Govinda, key texts devoted to celebrating the youthful Krishna. The stagelike setting is flanked by drummers beating time on large kettledrums. Beyond is a palatial avenue of houses and a temple at the apex, all rendered in dramatic linear perspective.