Bhairavi Ragini — Lalita Kapilavai — Traditional Artist
© Lalita Kapilavai — Traditional Artist. Digital Atelier & Cultural Archive. Digital reproduction, automated screen captures, and unauthorized printings are strictly prohibited.
Bhairavi Ragini
Natural pigments on wasli paper • L= 24.5cms; W= 20cms
Bhairavi Ragini
Iconographic Commentary & Symbolism
This painting epitomises the early Rajput style of painting that flourished from the 16th to 19th century in the Rajasthan region of the Indian sub-continent. It represents an amalgamation of its indigenous precursor painting traditions including folk art, great Indian mural tradition, Apabhramsha style or Jain illustrated manuscripts and Sultanate paintings.
The painting displayed here is said to be the only surviving painting of the earliest Rajput Ragamala series. Here, a fair-complexioned lady, personifying Bhairavi ragini is shown worshipping Shiva in a shrine, accompanied by songs punctuated by rhythmic beats. A limited colour palette, highly stylised forms, and expressive, sometimes fierce imagery are characteristic features of this tradition.
