Raja Playing with the Rani

 Raja Playing with the Rani

Abhaneri, Rajasthan,8th - 9th Century AD

           Since 'Kama' (Love or sex) was one of the four goals of Hindu life,  it was essential to show the Raja indulging in Kama. Thus, depicting Kama here is a social statement.  Politically a 'world conquering King' ("chakravertin") was supposed to be verile.  To depict the Raja indulging in Kama is to testify to his verility. Hence the presence of these images on the walls of temple.

         Eroticism in Indian art has an ancient history. It begins during the Mauryan period ( 3rd Century AD )  and culminates in the Pratihara Paramar period  ( 12th century AD). The earlier depictions merely show a couple standing together, later the sculptors began depicting foreplay.  In Khajaraho and Konark it reaches the climax where explicit scenes of eroticism are depicted. But then, Kama was emphasised in India. For, without love civilisation would fall apart;  without sex the human spieces would be extinguished. 

A Raja Listening to a Musical Concert

A Raja Listening to a Musical Concert

Abhaneri, Rajasthan,8th -9th Century AD

           Abhaneri, originally called Abhbnagari, was the capital of a Chauhan Kingdom in 8th Century Rajasthan.  It is near Jaipur. It is not only credited with having the oldest 'Step-well' in India, but also has the only post - Gupta art in Rajasthan.  

           The temple here lies in ruins. It's sculptures are housed in three galleries around the Step-well.  The sculptures still left on the walls of the temple are unique. Their focus is on the life of the Raja. Here we see him seated in the garden with the Rani. The Rani leans over to him while playing a musical instrument.  There is the flutist at the bottom and the drum player to the right of the Raja. The guard stands with his sword and shield. It is a nice summer day as the tree is laden with Mangoes. 

            Surprisingly the royal couple sits in very modest furniture: cushions and stools. The kingdom could not be too prosperous.
         These sculptures of the royal couple not only portrayed the life of the Raja, but also contained a political message: the royal couple is well. There is peace and prosperity in the kingdom.  These sculptures are like pictures of President Obama and his wife smiling to the crowd, assuring the people that all is well despite the economic crisis.

Dancing Ganesh

Dancing Ganesh

from Abhaneri,  Rajasthan,  8th Century AD

        Abhaneri, a town near Jaipur,  has the distinction of having the first step well of the country.  It also had beautiful temples which were influenced by Gupta art. 

        Here we see a dancing Ganesh. Whole he holds the axe, and the broken tusk, in his hands, his usual attributes,  he also holds a snake, which is rather unusual.  For snake is symbol of desires which sneak into our minds and heart. The God of wisdom knows how to control them. He rewards us with the bowl of 'ladoos' or 'modak'-- symbol of his generosity. 

Lord Krishna Combing Radha's Hair

Lord Krishna Combing Radha's Hair

 From Nathdwara, Rajasthan, 19th Century AD 

             This image may appear to be an odd one, patriarchal as we are, but it is God who adorns us with character,  beauty,  personality, with dreams and achievements,  with vision and wisdom. We are Radhas.