Who painted Hindola Raga?

Hindola Raga was painted by Unknown in 1770.

Where can I see Hindola Raga?

Hindola Raga is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Hindola Raga?

Hindola Raga is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Hindola Raga

Unknown , 1770

Hindola Raga is a paint painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1770, Hindola Raga is an opaque watercolor on paper that belongs to the Ragamala series. The work portrays a tranquil outdoor scene in which Radha and Krishna sit together on an elaborately carved swing, surrounded by attendants and musicians. The composition is rendered in soft, muted tones that emphasize the calm atmosphere of the moment.

Subject & Meaning

The central figures—Radha and Krishna—are shown engaged in a gentle swing, a motif that symbolizes divine love and playful interaction in Hindu tradition. Six maidservants and four musicians accompany them, underscoring the celebratory and communal aspects of the episode, while the surrounding foliage and flowers enhance the sense of natural harmony.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolor, the artist employs layered washes to achieve a luminous surface that retains the paper’s texture. Delicate brushwork defines the figures’ garments and the intricate carvings of the swing, while the background foliage is suggested with broader, more atmospheric strokes, characteristic of late 18th‑century Indian court painting.

History & Provenance

Hindola Raga forms part of a larger Ragamala set that includes works catalogued as IS.101‑1951 and IS.174‑1949. The painting entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection in 1951, acquired together with IS.100 and IS.101‑1951 for a purchase price of £10‑10‑0.

Context

The Ragamala tradition links musical modes (ragas) with visual narratives, and Hindola Raga corresponds to a raga associated with a swinging, lilting rhythm. By depicting the divine lovers in this musical context, the painting reflects the integration of music, poetry, and visual art prevalent in 18th‑century Indian devotional culture.