Ragini Maru of Sri Raga
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | National Museum, Delhi |
| Location History: | 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. |
Ragini Maru of Sri Raga by Sahibdin is a celebrated Mewar miniature from the Ragamala tradition, associated with the musical mode Sri Raga. The painting illustrates the romantic story of Dhola and Maru, with the couple travelling together on a richly decorated camel across the Rajasthan landscape. Sahibdin uses a flat, highly stylised composition, strong outlines, vivid colours and carefully patterned costumes, characteristic of Rajasthani miniature painting. The expansive yellow desert creates a sense of openness and journey, while the figures, camel and attendants form the central narrative focus. Decorative details and rhythmic arrangement of forms create visual harmony. The work combines music, poetry, romance and regional folklore, translating the emotional character of Sri Raga into a visual narrative.