Ragamala painting

India / South Asia Collection

Accession Nr.: 59.77.1
Type: painting; miniature
Date of production:
18th-19th c.
Period of Rajput kingdoms
Place of production:
Materials: paper
Techniques: watercolor
Dimensions: height: 21.7 cm
width: 13.4 cm
In Indian classical music, different tunes called ragas are played according to different seasons, times of the day and moods. It is common in miniature painting to depict various ragas in human form. The six main ragas are represented as male gods, each with wives (ragini) and sons. The picture shows Sorathií or Todi ragini.This miniature is a creation of the Pahari school of Rajput miniature painting, with features of the Basohli school. However, the fine detailing and the pasty foundation show Mughal characteristics.