Deccani Miniature Painting of Raga Hindola

In this playful Deccan-style rendition of vasant ritu, the onset of spring, a couple is seen seated on a swing (hindola) suspended from the branches of a tree by ornamented, metal chains. The platform on which they are seated is no ordinary swing, but is similar to a bed, with raised cushioning, a decorative, floral bedspread, and a pillow indicated by the raised level by the side of the women. As the young couple sways on the embellished swing, attendants spray them with coloured water, while another attended plays the ektara, a stringed instrument.

Deccan-style elements such as the distinct borders, contrasting planes of vivid colours, compartmentalised actions, and generalised, yet, delicate features evoke an atmosphere of excitement, love and merriment as associated with springtime