NORTH INDIA, RAJASTHAN, 19TH CENTURY

This picchvai depicts Krishna’s everyday activities as a blissful cowherd in Nathwara, Rajasthan. Gopashtami, a celebration of Krishna’s life as a cowherd, is symbolized in the form of the central scene, which represents Shri Nathji summoning the cattle with his melodious tunes. The topmost scenes represent Krishna’s unique relationship with the gopas (cowherds), gopis (milkmaids), and cattle in the middle of the forest, where gopis engage in Daan Lila or taking of the toll during Ekadashi or eleventh day of autumn. The interesting trapezoidal shape of the picchvai and the bright border with floral motif in bright colors resemble the shape of the main gates of Shri Nathji’s haveli or palace.