Balaram

Reverse Glass painting from Thanjavur of Balarama. Balarama (Rama the strong) is a Hindu god, and the elder brother of Krishna. He has strong associations with farming and farmers, as the deity who used farm equipment as weapons when needed, as is shown here with the plough in his hand. Balarama taught both Duryodhana of the Kauravas and Bhima of the Pandavas the art of war with a mace. When war broke out between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Balarama carried obligations for both sides and so remained neutral. He went for a pilgrimage and returned only on the last day, to watch the fight between his disciples.