Who painted Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala?

Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala?

Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala?

Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala

Unknown , 1750

Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, from a Ragamala is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, a scene drawn from a Ragamala series.

Accession no.: 2002.116
Credit line: Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski

About this work

Overview

The work depicts Surmananda Ragaputra of Hindol, a scene drawn from a Ragamala series. It presents two armed figures poised in a standoff, each equipped with a sword and shield, captured at the instant preceding a duel.

Subject & Meaning

One combatant is a princely figure dressed in a vivid red robe, while his opponent wears golden attire. The composition emphasizes anticipation rather than action, inviting contemplation of the tension that precedes martial confrontation.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Pahari painting tradition of northern India, the piece employs delicate brushwork and rich coloration typical of courtly art. The artist’s choice to halt the narrative at a still moment contrasts with the more common depictions of dynamic swordplay in similar works.

Context

Ragamala paintings often illustrate musical modes through mythic or heroic episodes. This particular image aligns with that convention, using the pre‑battle tableau to evoke the emotional character associated with the rag.

Legacy

The painting serves as a reference point for scholars examining how Pahari artists rendered narrative suspense, differing from the prevalent trend of depicting combat in full motion.