The painting personifies Raga Chandra, holding two
white lilies, seated on a chariot drawn by two black
bucks. The beauty of the moonlit night in the autumn
months when the phosphorescent light of the moon encompasses
the sky is vividly portrayed. In the backdrop is a lake
where two chakavas (ducklings) separated from each other
are shown. According to legends the two birds represent
the souls of two sinning lovers who sleep apart at night
and only meet at dawn and here they seem to wait for
the night to come to a close.
About Miniature Paintings
>Miniatures are intricate, colorful illuminations or
paintings, small in size, executed meticulously with
delicate brushwork. The history of Indian Miniature
Paintings can be traced to the 6-7th century AD. Miniature
Paintings have evolved over centuries carrying the influence
of other cultures. The miniature artists gave self-expression
on paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leather, marble,
cloth and walls. Indian artists employed multiple perspectives
unlike their European counterparts in their paintings.
The idea was to convey reality that existed beyond specific
vantage point.
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The Kangra Miniatures of the Pahari School made a mark
in the 18th century. Though influenced by the Mughals,
the Kangra School retained its distinctiveness. The
paintings were naturalistic and employed cool, fresh
colors. The colors were extracted from minerals, vegetables
and possessed enamel-like luster. Verdant greenery of
the landscape, brooks, springs were the recurrent images
on the miniatures. Texts of the Gita Govinda, Bhiari's
Satsai, and the Baramasa of Keshavdas provided endless
themes to the painters. Krishna and Radha as eternal
lovers were portrayed rejoicing the moments of love.
The Kangra miniatures are also noted for portraying
the famine charm with a natural grace. The paintings
based on Ragmalas (musical modes) also found patronage
in Kangra.
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