TODI RAGINI: A FOLIO FROM A RAGAMALA SERIES

Kumar Sangram Singh of Nawalgarh
Private collection
Acquired 1990's

Very slight abrasions to extremities of image, inner margins, and foliage in upper ground. . Minor oxidization to silver pigments. Verso: Minor age-related staining. Old ink inscriptions. Purple stamped collector's seals with ink inventory notations. Old conservator's tape adhesions and reinforcing strips along the outer borders. Conservation framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In this brilliantly colored and powerful Seventeenth Century painting a solitary nayika (heroine) is out walking alone near a lotus-filled pond - holding a vina (stringed instrument) in one hand, she offers tufts of grass to a group of three deer.  The two does and gray-buck seem tamed and mesmerized by her presence.  Todi Ragini - perhaps a metaphor for loneliness:

“Divided from her darling
and most unhappy in love
like a nun renouncing the world
Todi abides in the grove and
charms the hearts of the does.”

The natural outer buff borders with (oxidized) silver flecks. Black and yellow ruled lines.  Inscribed in black ink Devanagari script in the borders at top. Verso: lines of black ink Devanagari script.  Previously in the Kumar Sangram Singh Collection - his purple stamped seal on the verso with signature "S.Singh".