Who painted Mangala Raga?

Mangala Raga was painted by Unknown in 1690.

Where can I see Mangala Raga?

Mangala Raga is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Mangala Raga?

Mangala Raga is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Mangala Raga

Unknown , 1690

Mangala Raga is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1690, *Mangala Raga* is an opaque watercolor on paper that presents a courtly tableau. A princely figure in vivid red robes, a green sash and a golden crown occupies a raised seat within a pavilion, while a kneeling musician and a fan‑bearing attendant attend him. The background features a domed structure with patterned walls beneath a yellow sky, framed by a solitary tree.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the mythological character Mangala Raga, identified as the son of Hindola Raga, a figure from Indian musical tradition. The presence of the sage‑musician Narada, shown kneeling, underscores the scene’s devotional and artistic connotations, linking royal patronage with the transmission of ragas.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolor, the artist employs a flat, saturated palette that emphasizes the red garment and golden crown. Delicate washes render the architectural details and sky, while fine brushwork defines the textures of the fan, the stringed instrument, and the ornamental patterns on the pavilion walls.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the market through the auction house Maggs Bros., where it was sold as part of a larger collection (catalogue reference IS. 90 to 128‑1954) for £150. Its documented provenance begins with this 20th‑century sale, after which it entered a private collection.

Context

The attire, fan, and architectural elements suggest a setting rooted in South Asian court culture of the late 17th century. The combination of regal dress and musical iconography reflects contemporary visual conventions that linked sovereignty with the arts, particularly the patronage of classical ragas.