A Closer Look at The Raga Rama
Discover more about the ragamalas in the tradition of Indian miniature painting and zoom right into the details of Raga Rama
Ragamalas are pictorial renditions of individual ragas, premised on belief that the contemplation of a raga has a visual imagery as well as a sound form that can be accordingly picturised in the form of a person as well as associated with a sound unique to it - the sound of the specific animal or the sound of some human or natural activity.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
A Raga in the Indian Classical musical system is a melodic mode, a framework for improvisation.
Each raga is a range of melodic structures and musical motifs, and is believed to have the ability to affect the mood and emotions of the audience.
Ragamalas are pictorial renditions of individual ragas, premised on belief that the contemplation of a raga has a visual imagery as well as a sound form that can be accordingly picturised in the form of a person as well as associated with a sound unique to it - the sound of the specific animal or the sound of some human or natural activity.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
Kshemakarna’s system of picturising ragas
This system is ubiquitously used in all the Pahari ragamalas created in the various Pahari styles, but is rarely used elsewhere in other schools of Indian miniature painting.
The Kshemakarna Ragamala system's signature motifs
According to the Kshemakarna Ragamala system, the representation of Rama Raga should depict a gentleman standing in the garden feeding crows, or a warrior armed with a bow, arrow and sword leaving the house, or a seated couple, with the gentleman carrying a sword.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
Ragas as families
In Kshemakarna’s system of Ragamala, Rama Raga belongs to the family of Dipak Raga and is the third son or raagputra of Dipak.
According to the Kshemakarna system, he is described as radiant, having lotus–like eyes, carrying a bow and arrow, and beautiful, pleasing and charming by disposition.
The artist depicts the Rama Raga as blue-skinned like the god Rama leaving the house..
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
..with his consort waving a flywhisk behind him.
Instead of the flat monochromatic background traditionally used, the artist places the figures against a tiled and patterned façade of the building.
Its rich patterning is contrasted and balanced by the stark white of the rest of the building.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
Beyond the walls are partially visible trees, suggesting vistas beyond..
A delicate grace pervades all aspects of the painting.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
Its figures, with the faces rendered with almost porcelain delicacy, are rounded and soft but not fleshy...
...the features sharp with expressive eyes, with eyebrows gently curving and small mouths. Hair is swept back, its strands carefully and finely delineated, with an odd loose strand clinging to the side of the face.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
The bodies of the figures are well proportioned, with graceful arms and delicate hands and feet.
The sheer brilliance of the work can be seen in the crisp yet lyrical drawing, and in restraint and elegance in the use of colour.
Raga Rama (Late 18th Century) by UnknownNational Museum - New Delhi
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