Devki Feeding Lord Krishna

Devki Feeding Lord Krishna

Kalachuri Dynasty,11th Century AD,Bhopal Museum.

          An unusual sculpture which depicts Devki feeding Krishna.  According to Bhagwat Puran Lord Krishna was born in prison where his parents were detained by Kansa, the Raja of Mathura.  There is no mention of Devki feeding Krishna for the moment he was born, his father, Vasudev carried him to Nanda 's house across Yamuna River. Yet here we see Krishna not only being fed,  but also protected by a five headed snake. The guards stand outside while a maid massages Devki's foot. This is called artistic licence!  

          Interestingly like our paintings, even in sculpture the perspective is flat. Krishna is shown in side view, Devki in side and frontal view. The concept of space is a complex one.

          Also notice the simple furniture and utensils. With the amount of jewellery worn by Devki, she is rich, yet the furniture is a simple one. Simple living, high thinking ! We all live in a prison of our own.