Book Title: Wall Paintings of Rajasthan
Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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Page 21
________________ 31. TWO LADIES PLAYING "GAIND': One of the pastimes of the ladies of the court. Both the ladies are engrossed in the game. They are intent upon hitting the ball in the sky with their delicate palms. One of them is also holding a 'goolchadi' in her right hand. The whole composition is alive with rhythmic movement. The contrast in rendering of the costumes of the players balances the overall effect of the mural. 32. LADIES CARRYING WINE-FLASK AND WINE-CUP: A two-figure composition in which the two ladies, one carrying a flask of wine in her left hand and a platter in right hand, and the other about to have a sip from the wine-cup. The subject reveals the life of revelry led by the zanana ladies residing in the fortified medieval palaces, which is one of the chief features of Rajasthani architecture. Of this, Nagaur Fort is an outstanding example. At Nagaur one-figure or two-figure compositions depicting ladies in standing postures is a characteristic feature of the art of mural painting. Though the artist's palette is not very rich, the figures are well contrasted by the use of subtle tonalities of colour and precise linear statements. Framing the group under a decorative arch is the stylistic approach in the manner of designing of the Nagaur frescoes. 33. A LADY OFFERING A CAMPAKA FLOWER: An excellent portraiture. The profile is drawn with rare command-an example of masterly draftsmanship. Linear shading to show modelling and depth at the arm-pits is effectively employed. The drawing of arms and hands, compared with that of the head, is short in proportions. The dramatis personae on the walls of Nagaur palace are all pleasure-seekers. The faces depicted are in the three-fourth, a pleasing departure from the painting of profiles. The portrayal of pencilled eye-brows and big almond eyes are the characteristics of these faces. 34. TWO COURTESANS AND A WINE-BEARER: The frescoes on the ceilings and portions of the walls of the Zanana Mahal and the portico of the Hammam in the courtyard are noteworthy. A speciman given here is of particular interest from the point of view of headgears which are definitely of Persian origin. The style of painting is also affected 16] Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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