


Krishna Holds Up Mount Govardhan to Shelter the Villagers of Braj: Folio from the Harivamsa (Legend of Hari [Krishna]), Mughal period (1526–1858), ca. 1590–95
Present-day Pakistan, probably Lahore
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
Present-day Pakistan, probably Lahore
Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
H. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm), W. 7 7/8 in. (20 cm)
Purchase, Edward C. Moore Jr. Gift, 1928 (28.63.1)
As part of his policy of reconciliation between Muslims and Hindus, Emperor Akbar (r. 15561605) had the Hindu classics translated into the Persian language of the court and illustrated by his court artists. This painting is one of the finest results of his plans. The god Krishna protects the people of Braj against the destructive rain sent by the god Indra.
This work of art also appears on 82nd & Fifth: Open-Minded







