In Indian classical music both, Raga Shoshar and Deshakh, have alike thrust and formation of their musical notes. They both begin with a vigorous horizontal thrust, shoot vertically reaching the apex of the 'swara', or the note, and then make a farther horizontal stretch. Like a shepherd's song their spirit is sportiveness associated with brilliance, agility and elegant simplicity. This painting is a reminiscent of great Pahari art. Perfect bodily proportions, fine and sharp features, expressive eyes, emotionally charged faces, variedly patterned turbans and mutually assimilating colour scheme are reflections of Kangra and Guler art. Hence, in case of this representation it would be more appropriate to call it Shoshar under Pahari tradition.
In literary and thereby visual representations Raga Shoshar has been personified as three vigorous youth, packed with gold like lustre and fish like agility, engaged in performing gymnastics and other gymnastic exercises. Corresponding to the rise and fall of 'swara' in Raga Shoshar the youth on the right and the other one on the left are depicted standing on ground symbolising horizontal thrust of the Shoshar. One of them moves clubs and the other one is usually a weight lifter. The central figure is usually represented as mounting a gymnastic pole. He is sometimes depicted also as descending it. Raga Nata too has a corresponding manifestation, but there the acrobatic activities coupled with drum playing dominate. The element of drum-playing added here with this visualisation makes it a blend of Raga Nata with Raga Shoshar.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.
Of Related Interest:
Raga Megha
Raga Vasanta
Raga Chandra
Deepak Raga (Kangra Painting)
Books on Raga
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