Radha in Kishangarh paintings is portrayed with an elongated face, arched eyebrows, lotus-like eyes tinged with pink, a sharp nose, thin sensitive lips and a pointed chin. Obviously, it is an idealization, for no woman could have such eyes. This formula is also used for portraying Krishna, whose face is distinguished by blue color. Here we notice a resemblance with the technique of the Kangra painters. It is not the beauty of any single person but the ideal beauty which the artist paints. It is based on the ideal type given in the Sanskrit love poetry, viz. Padmakshi or lotus-eyed.
It represents the Rajput ideal of feminine beauty at its best. Those who delight in parallels with Western art call her the Indian Mona Lisa. Her face is delicate and refined, more like that of a courtesan than of a naive cowherdess that was Radha. Her eyebrows are curved like a bow. Her face is framed in cleverly arranged curls of ebony hair. Her neck is decorated with necklaces of pearls and precious stones. She has draped herself in a transparent wrap which greatly enhances her charm. Which woman of today would not envy her dreamy eyes, her shapely nose, her fastidious lips, the glamour of her clothes and ornaments, and, above all, her seductive charm.
This profile of Radha's face, so elaborately and painstakingly painted, has been originally inspired and modelled after Bani Thani:
King Sawant Singh (1748-1764), the seventh ruler of Kishangarh, was an accomplished poet and artist in his own right. It so transpired that his stepmother employed a young girl as a singer in her palace. She came to the notice of Sawant Singh who fell in love with her. Her real name is not known, but she came to be called Bani Thani, which means smart and well-dressed. She was a beautiful girl who also professed interest in Hindi poetry. She became Sawant Singh's mistress. It is conjectured that the bloom of her youth and beauty not only roused unholy thoughts in the hearts of men who saw her, but also provided inspiration to the Kishangarh artists to whom credit is given for the invention of the Kishangarh facial formula.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist