Raga Vasanta-Miniature Painting

Dimensions : 9 X 7 Inches

The painting personifies Raga Vasanta i.e. the melody and the ecstasy of spring. Brimmed with the joy of spring, Krishna dances blissfully on the banks of Yamuna River. The lady playing a drum decorated with floral pattern is Radha while a gopi (female friend of Krishna) is shown playing karatals (castanets). In the forefront blooming plants of Vasanta widespread in the Kangra Valley in the month of March are evident. In the background are the mango trees, alternating with plum and peaches trees. The white plum blossom is symbolic of spiritual strength and beauty while

the pink peach blossom represents sensuous beauty. The painting emphasizes on sound, form, color and rhythmic movement.

About Miniature Paintings

Miniatures are intricate, colorful illuminations or paintings, small in size, executed meticulously with delicate brushwork. The history of Indian Miniature Paintings can be traced to the 6-7th century AD. Miniature Paintings have evolved over centuries carrying the influence of other cultures. The miniature artists gave self-expression on paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leather, marble, cloth and walls. Indian artists employed multiple perspectives unlike their European counterparts in their paintings. The idea was to convey reality that existed beyond specific vantage point.

The Kangra Miniatures of the Pahari School made a mark in the 18th century. Though influenced by the Mughals, the Kangra School retained its distinctiveness. The paintings were naturalistic and employed cool, fresh colors. The colors were extracted from minerals, vegetables and possessed enamel-like luster. Verdant greenery of the landscape, brooks, springs were the recurrent images on the miniatures. Texts of the Gita Govinda, Bhiari's Satsai, and the Baramasa of Keshavdas provided endless themes to the painters. Krishna and Radha as eternal lovers were portrayed rejoicing the moments of love. The Kangra miniatures are also noted for portraying the famine charm with a natural grace. The paintings based on Ragmalas (musical modes) also found patronage in Kangra.