Krishna and Balarama depart Vrindavan 1856

Becharam Das Dutta made this painting of Krishna and Balarama departing Vrindavan, using watercolor on paper. The visible brushstrokes and the layering of colors give a sense of the artist’s hand at work, while also indicating the social context of artistic production. The paper support itself speaks to a wider world of trade and exchange. Paper, often made from cotton rag or plant fibers, was a valuable commodity, and the use of watercolor suggests an engagement with both indigenous traditions and imported materials. The vivid colors, applied with meticulous detail, reflect the cultural significance of color in Indian art, where each hue carries symbolic meaning. The making of the paints was a specialized skill. Dutta’s process, and the materials he chose, place this work at an intersection of religious narrative, skilled craftsmanship, and global exchange. Understanding these elements allows us to appreciate the depth and complexity of this seemingly simple painting, connecting it to broader histories of labor, trade, and cultural interaction.