Meghamallar Ragini (painting, recto), from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

The Meghamallar Ragini is visualized as a prince or Krishna dancing in the rain. It is a joyful melody associated with the nighttime and the monsoon rains in July–August. In the painting, the bejeweled prince is in the center, holding a veena and dancing joyously in the forest. On either side are female musicians; one of them plays a double-faced drum or a mridangam, while the other plays cymbals or a manjira. The sky is filled with clouds, signifying the incoming rains. Storks fly in the sky, enhancing the auspicious atmosphere. The trees are laden with blossoms. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation, belonging to a Ragamala or “Garland of melodies” series. Rajput, Rajasthani, Sirohi School.