Khandita Nayika

Some traditions celebrate Radha as the more powerful half of the pair because she has captured the heart of God. This painting shows Radha physically elevated above Krishna. He kneels before her, begging forgiveness for a past indiscretion. Her posture and gesture indicate that she does not want to hear his pleas. This painting is from a series depicting generic types of lovers. Khandita is the wronged heroine (nayika) who must be wooed back carefully. By placing Krishna in the role of the wooer, the artist adds layers of complexity to the subject.