The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), New York City
Kedar Ragini: Page from a Ragamala Series (about 1690โ95) illustrates the originality of Ruknuddin as one of Bikaner's court painters to develop unique ragamala images using multiple ragamala sources due to the regulation of style and content associated with the Ragamala genre. The ragamala is a painting representing an emotionally and spiritually relevant Indian classical drum (ragas) through visual (narrative)(i.e., in comparison to non-narrative as in classical music) images. Ruknuddin provides an image of an ascetic(absent of material possessions) with ashes smeared on his body who is attentively listening to a disciple playing a rudra vina (an ancient form of the present day veena/ string instrument). It is believed this disciple has completely devoted his mind to Shiva (during his contemplation) while wearing the white moon. Themes of utmost devotion (both spiritually and materially), withdrawal from the world, and transcending music as a means of reaching the divine are depicted in this image.
This work, which is executed in opaque watercolor and pen and ink on paper, demonstrates how the Bikaner School combines the refinement of Mughal aesthetic with the sensibility of Rajput culture. Two figures are arranged in front of a large tree with a crescent moon and stars hanging above, creating harmony and tranquility due to the soft nature of their surroundings on earth. In Ruknuddin's color palette, he uses muted earth-tone colors, including browns, greens and reds, with light colors of the sky and soft moonlight creating an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. The simplicity of the background is intentionally contrasted with the ornate treatment of the figures themselves, providing the viewer a tension that has been central to the miniature tradition. The overall effect of this folio is one of peaceful meditation and connection with the divine; therefore, it serves not only as an illustration of a raga but also as a contemplative object in its own right. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City currently houses this artwork as part of the Asian Art collection which was donated to the museum by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Findlay in 1978.
Rather than functioning merely as a textbook illustration of a classical melody, this folio stands as a contemplative object in its own. Ruknuddin beautifully captures the exact, breathless space where music transcends physical sound and transforms into an act of absolute, divine connection.
The color palette relies heavily on muted earth tones. These quiet shades deliberately build an atmospheric stillness. We can see how the artwork doesn't rely on showing the things how it it but focuses on keeping it simple, conveying the emotions. There is no sense of linear perspective rather we can mindful use of colors to give a sense to atmospheric perspective.
