The painting personifies Raga Gambhira, a son of Sri
Raga. A wedded couple being ferried across the river
is represented in the painting where the young prince
is wearing a yellow colored choga (garment) and lavender
colored sash around his waist while his wife in a green
mottled skirt stands in a pensive mood. The boatman
throws a bamboo into the river with all his might. The
river and low mountains draw parallel to the Beas at
Tira-Sujanpur, where boats of this design can still
be seen.
Raga Gambhira conveys a mood of sadness, a caring wife-bidding
farewell to her warrior husband, whom she may not see
again.
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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