Woven cloth showing scenes from Krishna's life including snakes, birds, trees and demons from Tibet, early 20th century AD

 

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Stories from Bengal

Krishna

In his childhood, Krishna was a very naughty cowherd. He was constantly stealing freshly made butter from his mother and playing pranks on the young girls, or gopis, of the village. Sometimes he would hide their clothes in the trees when they went to the river to bathe. But no one could be angry with Krishna for long because he could win anyone over with his divine flute-playing. Krishna's childhood sweetheart was Radha and there are many songs and beautiful paintings about their love. When he grew up, Krishna became a great statesman and warrior, and stories of his life can be found in the great epic poem, the Mahabharata, and in the Krishnalila (literally, Krishna-story).