Vasant Ragini, Page from a Ragamala Series (Garland of Musical Modes)

Vasant (spring) is evoked here by the dancing nobleman playing the role of Krishna in celebration of the coming of spring, witnessed by the flowering plants in the foreground, the flowers in the nobleman’s headdress, and the golden vessel with flowers balanced on his raised hand. The allusion to Krishna is secured by the nobleman’s skirt of peacock feathers, which are closely associated with the playful god, and the circular grouping created by the female musicians accompanying him; together, they consciously recall Krishna’s rāslīlā dance with the gopis.

Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper

Overview

Creator : 

Anonymous

Collection : 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Date :

early 17th century

Rights :

CC0

Copyright-free

You can copy, modify, distribute and perform the work, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Creative Commons

You can :

remix /  adapt this work even for commercial purposes, as long as you :

  • give appropriate credit and
  • license new creations under the identical terms.


Creative Commons

You can remix, adapt, and build upon this work, even commercially, as long as you:

  • credit the original creation. 


Creative Commons

Explore More