Amber (Rajasthan)
From a series of Ragamala paintings
Pigments and gold on paper with Nagari inscriptions on recto
A seated lady is shown worshipping at a lingam shrine at dusk, within a domed marble pavilion on the banks of a river. She kneels before the black marble lingam, partially visible and garlanded, holding a white garland in her hands. Around her are arranged assorted dishes and water vessels, while a female attendant stands nearby. In the background spreads a large tree, beyond which lie the river and an orange-streaked grey sky.
This scene represents Bhairavi Ragini, the first wife of Raga Bhairav, depicted here worshipping at a Shiva shrine. The lingam, a phallic emblem of the god, is traditionally adorned with flowers.
Ragamala, meaning “garland of melodies,” is a tradition of miniature painting that visualises Indian musical modes. From the late medieval period, musicologists personified ragas in verse, often exploring themes of love, mood, and devotion, which painters translated into richly imaginative compositions. The earliest Ragamala paintings are attributed to the Deccan, likely created for Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur, a noted patron and artist. Each raga is associated with a distinct mood shaped by season, time of day, and the inner character of the music.
Painting Size (cms): 29(H) x 24(W)
Painting Size (inches): 11.5(H) x 9.5(W)
