Untitled (Radha as Queen)

Appearing like a regal queen, Radha, a Hindu goddess of love and compassion, sits on her throne surrounded by the yara (or senior) gopis—cow-herd girls in Hindu mythology characterised by their unconditional devotion to Krishna, one of the most famous and revered deities of the Hindu pantheon—while Krishna, dressed as a sentry, stands guard. Painted possibly by a miniature artist working with the oil medium, Radha’s seniority is highlighted by the halo around her face. The gopis therefore, become handmaidens to a queen-like matriarch and appease her with refreshments, peacock feathers and offerings.