This Ragamala painting, originally attributed to Andryali Ragini, usually depicts two women shielding themselves from a sandstorm. However, our painting probably illustrates the very rare Gandhari Ragini, a melody of sadness. Here, the wife of Raga Malkaus is depicted as a love-sick heroine being consoled by her confidante. Our heroine lies prostrate, her hair dishevelled and her hands covering her face. The half-open door at the back would suggest some hope of her lover’s return. The scarlet sky above is evocative of passion. To our knowledge, the only other version of Gandhari Ragini is a tamer drawing illustrated in Klaus Eberling's 'Ragamala Painting', 1973, p. 285.

Other folios from this rare series are in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (inv. no. 2022.244 ex Howard Hodgkin) and in a number of private collections including Archer, Khandalavala (Archer, 1973, Baghal (Arki), 2i-iii), Sven Gahlin (Galloway 2021, no13) and Kanoria.

This Ragamala series is characteristic of the earliest style of Arki painting although few miniatures survived from this state. Arki is the capital of the small state of Baghal, in the Simla hills, bordering Bilaspur and Hindur.

Provenance

Paul Walter collection
Doris Weiner Gallery, New York

Exhibitions

Literature

Publications

(Published as Andryali Ragini)
Pal, P., <I>The Classical Tradition In Rajput Painting,</I> Pierpont Morgan Library, 1978, no. 57, p1. 65
Pal, P., 1971, p. 77, no. 25, ill.p. 76, fig. 8