Question

It is an intricately detailed artwork belonging to ‘Rasikapriya’ poetry of Keshavdasa from Rajasthani school. The painting is divided into two parts, showcasing Krishna in both upper and lower part. Identify this miniature from your syllabus and answer the following:

• What is the title and artist of this artwork?
• Describe the compositional arrangement in detail along with the aesthetic application of colours.
• Highlight any 2 main features of Rajasthani school.

Hint:

Rajasthani miniatures fuse poetry, symbolism, and visual beauty to portray themes from epics, love legends, and devotional literature.

Answer 1

Title of the Painting: Radha (Bani Thani)
Artist: Nihal Chand (Kishangarh School) Compositional Arrangement and Use of Colour:
The painting portrays the theme from Keshavdasa’s *Rasikapriya*, where Krishna is depicted in both halves of the artwork — above and below — emphasizing his omnipresence and eternal bond with Radha.
The upper part of the composition shows Krishna with gopis in a verdant garden setting, signifying divine love and leisure. In the lower part, Krishna and Radha are seen in romantic engagement, symbolizing emotional intimacy and spiritual devotion. The two halves are harmoniously balanced, creating a narrative flow.
The colours used are vibrant and symbolic. Krishna’s blue skin contrasts with the warm golden tones of Radha’s attire. Delicate reds, greens, and yellows dominate the palette, creating visual appeal. The use of fine brushwork enhances intricate details in costumes, jewellery, and background elements like flora and architecture. The expressions are stylized but expressive, capturing the rasa (emotion) of love and devotion.
Two Features of Rajasthani School:

• Stylization and Symbolism: Figures are often elongated with lotus-like eyes and curved eyebrows, idealizing beauty rather than portraying realistic anatomy.
• Decorative Detailing: Rich ornamental designs, attention to clothing, and architectural backgrounds are characteristic, often narrating multiple episodes within one frame.