Can we agree that of all Indian deities, Krishna is the one who offers the greatest delight? He has been a powerful muse for artists and writers for centuries. But we most love the 14th century poet Vidyapati’s compositions—because the Krishna-Radha love story is narrated from Radha’s perspective! (The image above is titled “Krishna Kisses Radha’ taken from a page from the Rasikapriya (Lover’s Breviary), 1610, Rajasthan).
“Tomorrow
He left me saying he would be back tomorrow.
I’ve covered the floor of my home
Writing: Tomorrow.
When dawn came, they all enquired:
Tell us, friend,
When will tomorrow come?
Tomorrow. Tomorrow, I gave up my hopes,
My beloved never returned.
Says Vidyapati, listen, beautiful one,
Other women held him back.”
To taste more of Vidyapati’s delights, check out this Heritage Lab essay. To celebrate Janmashtami, we have three fun art games for you.
