An illustration to a Ragamala series: Vasant Ragini, India, Sub-imperial Mughal, circa 1630

Arthur Tooth and Sons Ltd, London, 1974

Colnaghi Oriental, London, 1981

Collection of Lavinia, Marchioness of Cholmondeley (1921-2015), thence by descent

Arthur Tooth and Sons Ltd., Indian Paintings from the 17th-19th Centuries; sale catalogue, London, 1974, no.9.

Colnaghi Oriental, Gods, Gardens and Elephants, London, 1981, no.5.

Arthur Tooth and Sons Ltd., Indian Paintings from the 17th-19th Centuries, London, 20 November-14 December 1974.

Colnaghi Oriental, Gods, Gardens and Elephants, London, 17 June-17 July 1981.

Although no descriptive text accompanies this illustration, it is a joyful depiction of Vasant Ragini. Krishna, taking on the form of the god of love, is depicted dancing in the centre holding a flower in his left hand, accompanied by two women dancing to his left and two female musicians to his right. The blossoming trees in the background, and the lotus flowers and ducks in the pond in the foreground symbolise the season of spring (vasant).

This illustration is from a dispersed series closely related in style to a group of early ragamala series executed in the first two decades of the seventeenth century which are often described as ‘sub-imperial’ or ‘popular Mughal’. The earliest amongst these is the dispersed ‘Berlin’ Ragamala, thus known because several leaves including the colophon are in the Museum für Indische Kunst Berlin, dated to circa 1605-06. The other principal examples include the Laud Ragamala in the Bodleian Library, Oxford (MS. Laud Or.149) and the Manley Ragamala in the British Museum, London (acc. no.1973,0917,0.2). A comparable illustration of Vasant Ragini from the Manley Ragamala is illustrated in Ahluwalia, 2008, no.6, pp.18-19.

The vertical format of the present painting and the style of the figures are due to Mughal influences. The high horizon line, the distinct tall palms and fruit-laden trees, the ducks swimming in the lotus-filled in the lower register, and the vibrant coloured dresses of the figures are elements from the early Rajput painting tradition. This painting is likely to have been produced at a court where Mughal painting influences were incorporated by local Rajput artists.

A comparable illustration of Vasant Ragini dated to circa 1630, formerly in the Kevorkian collection, sold at Sotheby’s New York, 20 March 2001, lot 17.