Hindu temple at Brindaban (U.P.). 4-5 February 1789

Pencil and wash drawing by Thomas and William Daniell of a Hindu temple at Vrindavan, dated 4-5 February 1789. Inscribed on front in pencil: '24'; on back in ink: 'Nr 106. Hindoo Temple at Bindrabund'; in pencil: 'No.54. Bindrabund.'

Vrindavan, situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna, north of Mathura, is a famous pilgrimage place for the Hindus. This place is associated with the life of the god Krishna who is said to have spent there an idyllic youth among the cowherds, the gopis of Braj. In this place there is a group of sandstone temples built in the 16th century; these have an octagonal plan and the conical superstructure or shikara is covered with broad bands of mouldings and topped by a finial in the shape of a flat disc.