Within the discourse of India’s pictorial tradition, which included murals and miniatures, it is the miniatures, which has shown a diversity of themes, subject matter and language. Originating dominantly within the literary, poetic, religious, mythical and musical traditions, the miniature paintings have centered on two popular sanctimonious protagonists, namely Radha and Krishna. Though not bonded in conjugal matrimony, it is Radha’s intense and passionate love for Krishna which becomes the emphatic representation in this particular visual tradition.

The talk will explore the importance of Bhakti Movement and its considerable influence in the development of miniature tradition in various regions of Western India and the Western Mountainous region of the country, in what is broadly classified as the Rajasthani and Pahari miniatures. Through relevant examples moments of Shringara rasa in its state of union and separation will be detailed.