The month of Kartika - October/November

One of a series of eight paintings bound in an album. The series are from a 'Baramasa' set or 'Songs of the seasons' providing visual imagery for Baramasa poetry. The main theme is that of nayakas' and nayikas' (lovers) love in union and in separation and their relationship with the months of the year. Radha and Krishna stand on a white terraced pavilion in a house lit with oil lamps indicating the celebration of the festival of Diwali. The black sky studded with stars, and nearby town lit with lamps (on which they gaze) indicate a night scene. Radha and Krishna are shown again in the same architectural setting in a room playing a board game that looks like chess. Radha is seen making a move while lady musicians entertain the couple. Gambling at Diwali is a ritual in order to propitiate Lakshmi, Goddess of Wealth. Another couple are seen in miniature in the foreground playing chaupar, a popular game. In the foreground ladies bathe in a lotus filled pool before a shrine housing a linga and yoni, emblem of Śiva and Parvati. The lush foliage of the trees and exuberant flowering creepers separate the pavilion from the gaily lit town seen in the far distance.

Bundi Style
Rajasthan School
1675-1700 (circa)

This term refers to painting from the court of Bundi from the late sixteenth century to the early nineteenth century. Bundi was one of the earliest courts to accept Mughal rule when in 1569 the fort of Ranthambhor fell to the Mughal force. The earliest paintings from Bundi date to this period – namely the Chunar Ragamala, now dispersed.

Inscription Language : Braj bhasa

Inscription Translation:
Woods, gardens, rivers, earth and sky are clear and shine brightly, illuminated by small oil lamps used during the festival of Diwali. Days and nights are joyous with the festivities; couples gamble. Walls and courtyards of every house are decorated with colourful paintings of Gods and Goddesses. Celestial light pervades the entire Universe and all men and women have love in their hearts. This is the month whereby religious merit can be earned by performing sacred baths, giving alms to the poor and worshipping God. Keshavdas says that the nayika implores her lover not to leave in the month of Kartika.

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