Change of seasons is always welcome as it brings changes into life through atmospheric change and many other related changes along with it. In an exotic and unique manner, Ragamala Paintings celebrate the seasons through fusion of lines and colors, which bring out poetical visuals. Ragamala Paintings based on ragas not only give visual treat but also invoke in depth emotions in the viewers, which reflect the emotive qualities of the particular ragas that are sung at particular season and time. There are six ragas mainly—Bhairavi, Dipika, Sri, Malkaunsa, Megha, and Hindola. Ragas are also classified as male and female ragas. Ragamala paintings are based on ragas and worked upon. Through the fine rendering, exquisite composition and color harmony, the essence and melody of each raga is brought out in such a beautiful manner that the viewer merges with lines and colors and flows into the emotions of the painting the minute he or she sets eyes on it.
These miniature paintings are not meant for the walls, as these are very small and need to be viewed from close quarters. Some paintings are so small that - to view, enjoy and appreciate the details one needs a magnifying glass.
Pancha Bhutas have great significance as life is centered on these - ākāśa, Light, Water, Earth, Air. Because of these five elements life begins and ends. So one worships these elements, each element is revered in the name of a particular god, and devotional songs are written and sung in praise of gods, in India. The songs and music have spiritual and mystical touch.
Megha means cloud; Malhar means torrential rain. Both ragas are similar and represent monsoon season. This raga is usually performed in the midnight and Lord Krisna is the presiding deity of this raga. So in these paintings, we usually see Lord Krishna as the main form and always playing flute, his favorite musical instrument.
These paintings have a devotional and spiritual look as these are centered on divine love, passion and submission. These rare paintings depict Indian culture and ethos.
Lord Krishna with women is celebrating the rainy season in this beautiful composition. The dark sky is covered with heavy clouds and lightening streaks, the scared birds and snakes are trying to move swiftly to a safe place. Playing with musical instruments and dancing happily, the women are celebrating the rainy season with Lord Krishna, in a spiritual union. The dark background with heavy clouds invokes a scary feeling in the viewer but the dancing figures in the lower part as a contrast, lightens the effect and lets in one to join and enjoy the mood. Rain also symbolizes romance and fertility. When much awaited rain comes after summer, all living creatures of the world, welcome it with exuberance and rejoice in it. The forms move rhythmically in the space, creating a beautiful design. Lord Krishna is a divine hero, lover, and enchanter. Lord Krishna in blue color, a halo around his head and in rich costumes, dominates the space. The women with fair complexion and delicate limbs are dancing around him. The treatment of the painting is very decorative as lines have been rendered elegantly and sensitively, delicate designs covering the costumes of the figures enhance the beauty of the figures and overall effect.
