Baramasa in Indian Miniature Paintings

Baramasa, or ‘songs of the twelve months,’ began as poetry expressing a woman’s viraha or agony over separation from a lover through metaphors linked to the changing seasons. Inspired by Keshav Das’ Kavipriya, particularly its tenth chapter, Baramasa paintings were initially commissioned by the Pala Kings of Bengal, the Mughals and Rajputs, in regions such as Bundi, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Mewar and Marwar, eventually spreading to Himachal Pradesh. Over time, these paintings became more ornamental and religious, featuring Radha and Krishna as popular motifs. The nayika (heroine), was portrayed in various scenarios with different bhavas or emotions, alongside the nayaka (hero), her lover.

The three illustrations here depict scenes of the Hindu deity, Krishna, and his consort Radha, during the monsoon months of the Hindu lunar calendar.