A Closer Look at Ragini Todi

Todi is an old tribal folk melody which has developed into a classical melody ragini Todi of raga Deepak. The painting is a representation of the dove-eyed Todi ragini of the raga Dipaka.

This ragini is conceived as a khandita nayika who is separated from her lover. She is a very good singer who recites a raga named Todi. 

Seated on a raised platform, nayika is playing on vina and recites the raga while the black buck and the white dove are listening with rapt attention. In Rajasthani paintings, this symbolism is used for portraying ragini Todi.

Ragini Todi a damsel of dazzling complexion separated from her lover and like a yogini renounced the world, abides in the grove and charms the deers with her melody. 

The motif of deer enchanted by music is very well known and familiar throughout in the old Indian classical literature. 

This motif is very judiciously fused into the conception of this melody, and beautifully utilized by the artists to render this melody from 17th to 19th century in the several paintings. 

She is searching for her lover in every nook and corner of the forest and playing music on her veena. Her eyes bespeak of her passion for her lover.