Rajasthan in the Indian context is associated with all that is quintessentially romantic. Supposed to be the land of the valiant Rajputs, Rajasthan enthralls you with its many palaces, forts, museums and temples. In fact the term heritage site rightly describes this princely state. It has got the most heritage sites in India. Rajasthani Art is held in high esteem all throughout the world. Whether it is marble carvings, miniature paintings or frescoes it tells you of the high level of artistic sense that these craftsmen mastered. Painting is a permanent art in the sense that the very moment of it creation makes it permanent. In Rajasthan Painting is a very wide field. Each school of painting specializes in the different methods. Raagmala Paintings are held in high esteem all throughout India for conceptualizing and presenting the 6 ragas of classical music.
Raagmala Paintings creates a visual effect in the minds of the observer. These miniature paintings depict the perspective concept of the six Ragas in the Indian classical music. Raga is a term that is used in Indian classical music and is used to convey the mood of the different parts of the day and the different seasons. Dipika Raga is the predominant theme on many of these paintings classified under Raagmala Paintings.
Raagmala Paintings came into vogue in the 18th century in Kota. This is one of the most specialized forms of painting. Dipika Raga is generally depicted in a Diwali scene with lots of lights illuminating the whole area. Lights and shadow plays an important part in these painting. Another predominant theme is the posture of lovers illuminated by the glow of a lamp. Sacrificial fire, lights, all have their own symbolism in the painting. But on the whole this painting depicts energy, power, and the many significance of fire. The paintings are done in vibrant colors with powerful strokes that is evident of the raw energy of the artist. Colors used from vegetable dyes were used.
These paintings have been preserved and maintained in the many museums of Rajasthan. The state government upholds the culture and tradition of Rajasthan through the art, craft, paintings and other handiworks of the state.
