Todi Ragini (painting, recto; text, verso), from a Ragamala (Garland of Melodies) Series

Todi Ragini evokes both tenderness and sadness, and is commonly represented by a young heroine (nayika) in a forest separated from her lover. In this painting, she is shown carrying a vina, a multi-stringed instrument distinct to the Indian subcontinent. Her music has attracted black buck deer, which are also a typical feature in Todi Ragini paintings. The lush trees seem to sway rhythmically, alluding to the musical nature of the work. This painting is a pictorial metaphor for a raga, a musical phrase that is used as the basis for improvisation. Malwa Style. This folio most likely belonged to an album of Ragamala or "Garland of Melodies" folios produced in Malwa. Sanskrit verses associated with the raga or the ragini depicted on the recto are written on the verso. Other folios from the same series in the Harvard Art Museum’s collection are objects 1972.346, 1973.156, 1973.157, 1973.158, 1973.173, 1973.174. Rajput, Rajasthani, Malwa School.