1931.18: Dipak Raga, illustration from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

Identification and Creation

Object Number

1931.18

Title

Dipak Raga, illustration from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

Classification

Paintings

Work Type

painting

Date

c. 1680

Places

Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Mewar

Culture

Indian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/216891

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper; Rajput Style, Mewar School

Dimensions

sight: 38 x 24.1 cm (14 15/16 x 9 1/2 in.)

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, William M. Prichard Fund

Accession Year

1931

Object Number

1931.18

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

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Descriptions

Description

The Dipak Raga is intended to evoke the mood of intimacy between two lovers. In this painting, the encounter takes place at a palace. A king sits under a roofed terrace in front of his consort who offers him a gold dish of food. His status is represented by his rich dress, as well as the attendant behind him who holds up a peacock feather fan, a symbol of royalty. A group of musicians sits at the far left. 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, a single candelabrum stands behind the consort. Rajput Style, Mewar School.

Exhibition History

• The Music Room, Harvard University Art Museums, Cambridge, 09/22/1984 - 11/11/1984

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