Nata Ragini, Preparatory Drawing for a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series
18th century
Description
The Nata Ragini is commonly represented by a mounted soldier wielding a sword and confronting an enemy that is on foot. Typically, as depicted in this drawing, there is a slain soldier in the foreground. Here, the mounted solider holds his sword above his head as he gallops towards his opponent, who carriers a shield and a khanda, a type of sword native to India. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase used as the basis for improvisation. Interestingly, the musical mode for this ragini is feminine. While there are examples of this scene with a woman dressed as a warrior, more often, as we see here, it is a male figure. Such contradictions are common within the ragamala genre. Rajput, Rajasthani, Kota School.
Dimensions
23.2 x 15.3 cm (9 1/8 x 6 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1969 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of temporary loan to Museum in 1969.
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