Page 159 - Eye of the beholder

The allure of raGMala PainTinGS
Ragmala paintings pose the biggest challenge for collectors of Indian miniatures in in in in terms of identification and classification Each raag or ragini has its own characteristic idiom which has variations in different different schools and also across the different different centuries This painting for example a a a a a a new one in in in my collection is is a a a a a a depiction of Raag Malasri according to the the inscription The problem is that the the iconography does not match the inscription with a a a a a a crimson red border The priest and the king’s postures are similar seated on on a a a a a a purple intricately block printed carpet Aesthetically the the the composition is is is simple and the the the power of its visual appeal lies in this simplicity There is is a a a a a a certain inherent geometricity that is is made evident perhaps resulting from stylization of of forms but equally balanced by the subtle flow of of garments The stark plain fresh green background enhances the the the the the importance of the the the the the meeting between the the the the the king and the the the the the priest with the the the the the priest perhaps offering words o of wisdom received with with humility by the king with with folded hands The painting of “Princess on on the the Terrace celebrating Fireworks” belonging to the the same school and from mid 18th century has the representation of Bani Thani 153