India, Rajasthan, Bikaner, circa 1700

Ragamalas, which came in vogue by the sixteenth century, are a genre of Indian painting whose imagery evokes the emotions associated with various excerpts of classical music. The moods are conveyed through palette and rich symbolism often associated a certain season or time of day. As dipak means lamp or flame, this particular raga is a celebration of light and passionate love. In this romantic evening scene, the royal couple is seated in discourse at center. The prince has a small flame rising from his turban, by which to better view his beloved. Further oil lamps are placed in the foreground, and the light illuminates their jewelry, highlighting the charming details of the white dotted pattern and the leaves of the blooming tree in the background. Outside of the pavilion, a musician is seated playing the sitar, and the brown to rich blue gradient of the sky enhances the overall mood of love blossoming at dusk.