Indian Ragamala Painting

Indian Ragamala Paintings

The Indian Ragamala Painting is a vibrant and intricate art form that has been part of Indian culture for centuries. It is a visual representation of the classical Indian musical tunes, consisting of a series of musical modes or ragas, each with its unique character and mood.

The Ragamala paintings illustrate different ragas and their associated emotions, seasons, and related themes. They are typically created on paper or cloth using natural pigments and dyes. These paintings are often decorated with fine gold plates and intricate patterns.

The origins of the Ragamala paintings can be traced back to the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. They were inspired by the aesthetic traditions of the Rajput courts of Rajasthan and the Persian and Central Asian art forms that were popular at the time. Indeed, for the first time, artists of Rajasthan imagined the figurative form of Indian musical tunes, and they were the pioneers of Ragamala paintings. The imaginative world of an artist is infinite. In India, ancient Hindu saints conveyed their direct experiences of the divine through figurative descriptions of God. Over time, artists used these narratives to create visible representations of the sacred. In a later time, several Indian artists created Ragamala paintings in their own way; however, none of those represent classical musical tunes perfectly like Rajasthani paintings.

In Indian classical music, there are two parts: one considered as Raga (Male), and the second, Ragini (Female). There are numerous musical tunes created by composing the two male and female tunes. In the main musical parts, there are six male tunes, and each male tune has six female sub-tunes considered as wives. In total, thirty-six female sub-tunes exist in Indian classical music. In a later time in Indian musical scripture, several musical tunes were composed and added, like Hindol, Dipak, Malkosh, and those also considered male tunes but not included in the basic six musical tunes described above.

In India, the concept of music was first defined for the prayer to God. It was one of the ways to get compassion. A pious person always practices devotion in any of the six ways, and the musical scripture followed the same while defining musical tunes to express those senses widely. Like colors, six musical tunes have their own emotional approaches, and by composing several tunes, as we create several fine shades, Indian classical music also creates several sub-tunes to define the various devotional sensations that arise in the soul of a pious person.

In the depths of Indian philosophy, there lies a profound truth: we cannot behold the absolute being with our material eyes, for it is the ultimate creator, subtly woven into the fabric of existence. This divine presence often remains hidden, leaving us to seek it through our own hearts and souls. A pious person, in their journey toward this absolute, follows the melodies that resonate deeply within, drawing inspiration from musical tunes and vivid portraits that ignite their spirit.

There is a beautiful belief that God is always aware of its devotees, lovingly revealing itself in the form that each of us envisions. This intimate connection is the essence of the Ragamala painting—a journey where artists endeavor to capture the divine by exploring the emotions that dwell within them. As they pour their souls into their art, they reach out to that ultimate being, formed by the sensations that spring to life within their very essence.

Every brushstroke and every note hold the sacred weight of this quest, giving birth to figurative expressions of the musical tunes that emerge from the depths of their devotion. It’s a heartfelt pursuit, where the artist and the absolute intertwine, resonating with the longing for connection, love, and understanding. In this dance between creation and creator, we find the hope and beauty of our shared humanity, as we all strive to experience the divine in our own unique ways.

The Ragamala paintings are not only a visual delight but also a rich source of cultural and historical information. They glimpse India's music, literature, and social life during a bygone era. Today, they are highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts all over the world and continue to inspire artists and musicians alike.

In this article, I'll explore the fascinating world of Indian Ragamala Painting, taking a closer look at its history, themes, and techniques. I'll respectively unfold each musical tune based on the six seasons of Indian climatic conditions, hoping this will provide a deeper understanding of this beautiful and unique art form. Numerous paintings of the Raga Mala series followed several sub-tunes considered wives of the leading musical tune. Those six primary musical tunes have six sub-tunes (wife), and in total, 36 sub-tunes. Each sub-tune has several rhythms, considered son or daughter. By following this way, we can find numerous musical forms beyond my ability to describe here. However, I shall try my best to discuss this in detail.