Page 159 - Eye of the beholder

The allure of raGMala PainTinGS
Ragmala paintings pose the biggest challenge for collectors of Indian miniatures in terms of identification and classification. Each raag or ragini has its own characteristic idiom, which has variations in different schools and also across the different centuries.
This painting for example, a new one in my collection, is a depiction of Raag Malasri according to the inscription. The problem is that the iconography does not match the inscription.
with a crimson red border. The priest and the king’s postures are similar seated on a purple intricately block printed carpet.
Aesthetically the composition is simple and the power of its visual appeal lies in this simplicity. There is a certain inherent geometricity that is made evident perhaps resulting from stylization of forms but equally balanced by the subtle flow of garments. The stark plain fresh green background enhances the importance of the meeting between the king and the priest, with the priest perhaps offering words of wisdom received with humility by the king with folded hands. The painting of “Princess on the Terrace celebrating Fireworks” belonging to the same school and from mid 18th century has the representation of Bani Thani.
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