Madhumadhavi Ragini (painting, recto; text, verso), from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

The Madhumadhavi Ragini concerns a young heroine (nayika) braving harsh conditions to meet her lover. It is commonly represented by a woman about to enter a palace in which her lover awaits. The sky is dark and filled with storm clouds, or signs of lighting, or rain. A peacock, which symbolizes union, is also depicted. Here, the female figure walks into the palace and glances up at a peacock perched on the palace wall. Rain falls against a dark blue sky from a grey cloud that takes up the length of the painting. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. This folio most likely belonged to an album of Ragamala or "Garland of Ragas" folios produced in Malwa. Sanskrit verses associated with the raga or the ragini depicted on the recto are written on the verso. Other folios from the same series in the Harvard Art Museum’s collection are objects 1972.346, 1972.347, 1973.156, 1973.157, 1973.173, 1973.174. Rajput, Rajasthani, Malwa School.