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

A ragamala (garland of melodies)—a series of musical modes known as ragas—is often accompanied by paintings to convey the color (raga) or feeling of the piece of music. Visualizing an early morning raga called Lalita Ragini, this scene shows the parting of two lovers after a night of passion. The white marble pavilion appears like a large vessel floating alongside the boat carrying ladies from the harem who enjoy an outing on the lake with water lilies in full bloom. One can imagine the sound of paddling and water gently lapping against the boat, mixed with the women’s chatter, providing a musical ambience to the scene. Together, they present an image of pleasure and delight that resonates with the raga. Other paintings from the same ragamala series are 1931.16, 1931.17, 1931.18 and 1932.32.