The painting was originally commissioned by the Rajput rulers of the Mewar Kingdom. For generations, this painting—along with the rest of the Ragamala set—was preserved inside the private royal repository, palace libraries, or treasury of the Maharanas of Mewar. The painting officially changed hands from a private domain to public custody in the mid-20th century. The National Museum acquired the piece through the Art Purchase Committee, set up by the Indian Government.
One of the best known and most distinct paintings of the Mewar school of Rajasthani miniature painting is the composition Maru Ragini by Sahibdin. Work on the painting starting in 1628 during the reign of Rana Jagat Singh I and culminated after years of work in 1685. Currently located in the Gallery of Decorative Arts at National Museum, in New Delhi, an inscription on the painting identifies the artist, the patron, the place as Udaipur and the date.
Typical of the Ragamala tradition, in which musical ragas are symblozied throught particular figures, moods, seasons and stories, Sahibdin binds this musical theme with the famous Rajasthani romantic lore of Dhola and Maru. Maru is represented as the female counterpart of consort of Sri Raga. The painting shows the couple travelling together on highly decorated camel, accompanied by attendants and a dog.
The use of flat and bright shades of yellow in background, green in foreground and a deep blue in sky create a dreamlike landscape.The clothing of the couple also evokes richness, drawing attention to their royal status. The arrangement of the camel, attendants and dog provide a sense of movement in the otherwise still miniature.
Following the Rajasthani miniature traditions, Sahibdin has also combined elongated eyes, pointed facial features, ornamental clothing and simplified landscape. While the treatment of costume and details on figure leave traves of Mughal influence as well. The painting evokes strong human emotions as the journey of the couple represents their struggle to overcome obstacles and finally be united. The open landscape suggest freedom and escape. And since this is a Ragmala painting, the love story is not separate from music.
Sahibdin goes beyond illustrating a story and turns an emotional thought into a colouful visual experience for the viewers.
Sahibdin’s "Maru Ragini" combines the Ragamala tradition with the romantic tale of Dhola and Maru. Bright, flat colours, simplified landscapes, elongated eyes, ornamental costumes, and Mughal-influenced details create a dreamlike composition. The decorated camel, attendants, and dog introduce movement, while the open landscape symbolizes freedom, love, struggle, and eventual union.
