Lila Hava – Exchange of Clothes 18th century. Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Miniature Painting. 20.4 x

Lila Hava – Exchange of Clothes
18th century. Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Miniature Painting. 20.4 x 21.6 cm
Founded in 1658 the Gaharwal atelier became dominated by Molaram (1743-1843) who produced some brilliant paintings filled with life and colour and resonant of Krishna.

The painting shows Radha and Krishna seated in the solitude of the forest enjoying the ecstasy of love. Radha fully immersed in the shringara rasa is wearing just a translucent odhani. The amorous play of the couple has reached its fulfilment and now Radha, whose inner soul is already united with her beloved is eager to change her outer appearance “you become Radha and I will become Madhava!” She has crowned herself with the mukuta of Madhava (Krishna) and now doing shringara of Krishna. Their love-drenched eyes are completely lost in each other.

The artist seems to have understood the philosophy of the theme very well. The lush green forest with a few blossoms and a few chirping birds are the only witnesses to this divine drama. The bluish-grey background suggests the advent of dawn.
(viaCSMVS Mumbai)