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

In this painting, a maiden pays homage to the Hindu god Brahma, who is depicted officiating a homa (vedic fire ritual). The four-headed, four-armed Brahma, Hindu god of creation and one of the members of the holy Trinity, sits cross-legged on a large pink lotus. He wears a large gold crown, topped with lotuses, that spans his four heads; a pendant necklace, strands of large pearls, bracelets, and a yellow dhoti, a garment worn by male Hindus that consists of a piece of fabric tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs. Two of his four hands hold the horizontal folios of a pothi (Indic manuscript) with text written on it, most likely holding the Vedas (a collection of ancient Sanskrit texts). He performs the ritual with a long gold ladle, which he uses to offer ablutions to the fire homa. Opposite him sits a maiden, who pays homage to Brahma with joined hands. Behind her is a female attendant who holds a white scarf over the maiden’s head. The figures sit on a terrace, while in the background is a large white pavilion flanked by tall green trees. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. The atmosphere of the painting reflects the time of the year when the Ragini associated with the painting was performed: in autumn, post-monsoon in early evenings. This folio belongs to a Ragamala or "Garland of Ragas" series produced in Malpura. The text in the top register of the folio in this series is written alternatively in gold and silver. The use of such precious materials might suggest elite patronage. The artist Jai Kisan completed the series in 1756 CE, as mentioned in the colophon on the reverse of the last folio (HAM 1963.74). Three other folios of the same series are in the Harvard Art Museums’ collections: 1963.73, 1963.74, 1969.174. Rajput, Rajasthani, Malpura School.