Raga Hindola

Product Description

This painting is from Ragamala series of Kangra paintings. Ragamala Paintings are a classical example of amalgamation of art, poetry and music. Indian classical music is based on the foundation of ragas. Matanga (9th to10th century) was the first writer to refer to the Raga in his treatise on music Brihaddeshi.

Hindola, which literally means the swing, is the songs of spring, and is depicted in this painting, as a young man seated on a golden swing covered with garlands of flowers. The lacquered frame of the swing is decorated with replicas of lotus buds. He is wearing a crown decorated with peacock feathers and lotus buds. His robe is smeared with yellow and crimson colours indicating indulgence in the sport of Holi, the festival of colours. He is surrounded by a number of charming attendants who are rocking him, and attending to his requirements while he is indolently gazing at their charm.