Revered god, epic hero, divine lover; Krishna is the unique personification of these and many other attributes, and has been for centuries one of the most popular deities of the Hindu pantheon. His colourful personality has permeated the realms of painting, sculpture, poetry and dramatic arts, as well as religious and cultural life at every level; it continues to exert a powerful influence on everyday Indian life and customs.
Who is this celebrated "Blue God" ? Historians speak of him as several personalities - hero, teacher, king - coalesced into one, who may have become deified with the passage of time. But for the religious devotee, as well as for the poet and artist, such considerations are irrelevant. Krishna has long provided spiritual as well as artistic inspiration for millions in every walk of life throughout the Indian subcontinent and beyond.
This book constitutes the first detailed study of the Krishna myth in its historical and cultural context. Conceived and written by some of the most eminent contemporary scholars in the field of Indian culture, it treats every aspect of the theme as it appears in Indian art, history and spiritual life. The deity's life and deeds are recounted in full detail, each episode illustrated by one or several remarkably descriptive Indian miniatures. Also among the book's dazzling illustrations figure numerous reproductions of artistic works previously unpublished and representing every region of the subcontinent, KRISHNA - The Divine Lover provides a vital contribution to the understanding of cultural and religious themes in Indian art. The unsurpassed level of its scholarly contributions renders it indispensable as a reference volume for specialists, and its wealth of finely reproduced illustrations will delight and fascinate the art lover.