Ravishing ragamala paintings

Magnificent miniatures, which blend the visual and the aural, are set to be showcased in a first of its kind exhibition in the UK to focus exclusively on this genre. ‘Ragamala paintings from India - Poetry, passion, song…’ brings out the subtle beauty of the varied visual modes of Indian music. A symposium will also discuss these visual representations of musical modes.

A ragamala or gorgeous ‘garland of ragas’ is a serene set of majestic miniature paintings that depict an array of mesmerizing patterns of the glorious Indian music tradition. Each richly painted piece carries a brief, albeit captivating caption or poem to aptly sum up the mood of the work, more often than not, an expression of pure love and devotion – in its various shades.

An insightful introductory note to this eclectic showcase at Dulwich Picture Gallery in South East London states: “It was in the late 1400s that the painting tradition flourished throughout India’s royal courts before it gradually dwindled in the 1800s, especially with the fall decline of aristocratic patronage.

This exhibition will unveil a rare collection of 24 exquisite miniatures from the Claudio Moscatelli Collection, in a journey across the Indian subcontinent. It is the first show in the UK to focus exclusively on the Ragamala genre. A debate marks the show to find out: If Ragamala paintings are visual representations of musical modes, can a definite link be made to music?

In this debate, chaired by Ainsley Cameron from the British Museum, leading scholars Anna Dallapiccola, honorary professor at the University of Edinburgh; Rosemary Crill, senior curator of Asian Art, Victoria & Albert Museum; and Catherine Glynn, independent curator, introduce the topic and discuss the painting tradition. A renowned scholar on India’s visual arts, Robert Skelton and Sandy Mallet, a contemporary artist inspired by music, are among the other invitees.