Dipak Raga, illustration from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) series

Artists

Description

The Dipak Raga is intended to evoke the mood of intimacy between two lovers. In this folio, a prince and his consort are shown caressing on the ground floor of a palatial building. According to legend, one of the Mughal emperor Akbar’s (r. 1556-1605) musicians started a palace fire after being forced to perform this raga against his better judgment. Thus, depictions of this raga typically incorporate some sort of fire imagery. Here, two female attendants, completely executed in gold, hold up burning incense. Rajput, Rajasthani, Kota or Bundi school.

Dimensions

27 x 19.5 cm (10 5/8 x 7 11/16 in.)

Provenance

Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.