Dipak Raga, illustration from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) series
Attributed to The Kota Master
Indian
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.
Opaque watercolor and gold on paper