c. 1725

A Lonely Woman among Deer (Todi Ragini)

Paintings using romantic imagery to simultaneously illustrate the modes of Indian music (ragas) and represent a variety of love relationships were produced in sets known as ragamalas, or ”garlands of ragas.” Todi Ragini personifies a musical mode that expresses the sentiment of a young woman passionately in love. Resting against her shoulder is her vina (lute), but only the playful deer can hear her sad, longing melody. The remoteness of the landscape, with its flat layers of metallic and cool colors, combines with the attentive animals to conjure a mood of tender longing.