Who painted Sri Raga?

Sri Raga was painted by Unknown in 1770.

Where can I see Sri Raga?

Sri Raga is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Sri Raga?

Sri Raga is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Sri Raga

Unknown , 1770

Sri Raga is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created in 1770, this opaque watercolour on paper forms part of the Ragamala series and portrays the raga Sri.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1770, this opaque watercolour on paper forms part of the Ragamala series and portrays the raga Sri.

Created in 1770, this opaque watercolour on paper forms part of the Ragamala series and portrays the raga Sri. The composition gathers a princely figure, two women and a servant on a balcony within an architectural backdrop of arches and domes rendered in muted blues and whites. The palette of vivid orange and gold on the central figure, together with lively curved forms, gives the scene a dynamic presence despite the paper’s worn edges.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a courtly encounter: a prince and a lady receive a musician, suggesting a moment of musical performance associated with the Sri raga. The presence of a fan‑holding woman and a leaning companion emphasizes courtly elegance, while the servant’s stance hints at service and hierarchy within the palace environment.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolour, the artist achieves solid colour fields and subtle tonal variations on paper. The use of bright, saturated pigments for the central figure contrasts with the softer, atmospheric blues and whites of the architectural background. Curved lines and decorative arches create a sense of movement, while the slightly frayed paper edges reveal the work’s age.

History & Provenance

The work belongs to the larger Ragamala tradition, a series of visualizations of Indian musical modes. Dating to the late eighteenth century, it reflects the cross‑cultural artistic exchanges of the period. Currently held in a major museum collection, it is catalogued alongside other Ragamala paintings that illustrate the visual interpretation of Indian ragas.