A Portrait of Lord Shree Krishna: Translated by Arjundas Adhikari

Written in 1532 CE, the same period as Martin Luther, and just prior to colonial rule in India, A Portrait of Lord Shree Krishna,(for which the Sanskrit is Vidagdha Madhava) is a romantic drama, retelling the youth-hood of Lord Shree Krishna, the favourite divinity of the Indian sub-continent, who lived in Uttar Pradesh c. 1000 BCE, or earlier.

The dominant theme of the drama, whilst unorthodox, gives a clear vision of the dramatic power-play between fabulous blue-blackish Shree Krishna, and the fabulous cowherd girls of His village. The give and take is shared, but predisposes in favour of the cowherd girls. Krishna is a great hero, defending His kingdom against formidable antagonists, but He Himself is governed by the love of Shrimati Radharani. Radharani's epithet Madana-mohanamohini, lauds Her as the 'Enchantress of the enchanter of Cupid.' The narrative comprises a timeless exposition of power-sharing among genders.