Kakhuba Ragini: Preparatory Drawing for a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

The Kakhuba Ragini is represented through several artistic conventions, but the common theme is a female heroine (nayika) waiting for her lover and holding flowers or flower garlands. In this preparatory drawing, the female figure holds a large lotus blossom in each hand while standing in a lush forest. A male peacock approaches her. Dabs of opaque watercolor and watercolor are intended to guide the colorist. This preparatory drawing is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. Rajput, Rajasthani, Kota School.