Classical Paintings

Numbered 1228 on the reverse, with Mandi stamp bearing number 274 

Further inscribed on reverse in Sanskrit ‘punascha kusamasagha dampati tomudanvijo sanstha agnipuna statra vivaham karodvidhi akshata ropanatatra striyascha kustadagyaya.’

‘The priest conducted the bride and the bridegroom round the fire, with their eyes closed in mutual agreement. With their marriage ceremony thus performed by the family priest, versed in the ceremonial, the two became one.’ 

The painting is based on the narrative of Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, a popular episode known in Indian scriptural tradition as ‘Kalyanasundaram’ or the beautiful marriage. The couple can be seen performing the Panigrahana ritual, where the groom accepts the bride by taking her right hand in his. The couple depicted in the centre are surrounded by the major deities of the Hindu pantheon and other celestial beings. Parvati’s parents Himavat and Mena perform the ritual of Kanyadana, or giving away the bride. Brahma sitting next to Shiva can be seen reciting the sacred vows. Brahmins occupy the lower-right corner performing Yajna while a band of musicians can be observed playing celebratory music outside the canopy. A few of the bridesmaids appear to be curiously peeping over the canopy to catch a glimpse of the handsome bridegroom Shiva, who, having given up his tiger-hide, is adorning a lavish gold jama with sumptuous jewellery in a striking accordance with the traditional depiction of Rajput princes being married. His moon-white complexion is complemented by a gold halo. Parvati on the other hand has covered her face in accordance with Indian marriage traditions and shyly bows her head to her future husband. This composition does not bear a divine essence but rather exhibits a very human depiction of a holy nuptial conjugation. The artist has focused his attention towards the finer details of  the Hindu wedding ritual, especially the mango leaves decorating the canopy of the Mandapa, which is considered as a blessing for the couple to have healthy children. The architectural details and intricacies are in accordance with other paintings belonging to this period, particularly paintings from the Kangra Rasikapriya and the Bihari Satsai,