Large forehead, prominent cheek bones, well projected sharp nose, subdued lips and long curls of side hair are features characteristic of the female figures in Rajasthani medieval miniatures. Her saffron oadhani with border of gold slipped to the back of her head allowing a larger part of her hair to unveil and give a tempting look portrays her natural demeanour and pretext-free casual look. The ornaments she is wearing are a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani attributes. Emeralds and sapphires were Mughals' chosen stones. Rubies and pearls were common choice of almost all rulers in medieval India. Benda, the flower-shaped studded ornament, she is seen wearing, had its origin in Islamic world of Turkey and Persia but came to be as much popular in Mughal and Rajasthani court life.
Incidentally this small painting underlines the contrast between the Indian and European principles of female aesthetics. The European concept of female beauty, as perceived in the sculpture of Venus, the great model of beauty, discovers a woman's totality in her form without head and hands. In Indian thought beauty has been contemplated as an intrinsic factor and face and eyes its ultimate index.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
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