Bala Krishna with Yashoda and Attendants

This old Mysore Painting shows Bala Krishna, or Lord Krishna as a child, surrounded by Yashoda and attendants (or sakhis) carrying food and butter (makhan) for him. Krishna, the God of love and compassion, is the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, but is worshipped in his own right. He has always been one of the most popular deities in Southern India and hence, is frequently depicted in paintings of classical traditions.