Folio from a Nayaka Nayika bheda. A loving couple, partially undresseed drinking wine on a palace terrace - Hyderabad late 18th Century

Nayika Nayaka bheda refers to the classifications of romantic moods and situations experienced by lovers which inspired Indian poets to write long poems such as the Rasikapriya of Keshav Das (circa 1591); these in turn provided inspiration to the artists of Rajput painting workshops.

Medium: Opaque watercolour with gold on wasli
Source: indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk

Nobleman receives wine from a courtesan. Jodhpur, c1760-70


Medium: Opaque watercolour on wasli
Source: indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk

Durga battles the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Mughal style - Delhi c1800


Medium: Opaque watercolour with gold on wasli
Source: indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk

Revellers intoxicated and incapable during a visit to a bhang wallah. Jaipur - c1860


Medium: Opaque watercolour with gold on wasli
This miniature painting provides a rare example of social satire in comparison to the norm of deities, religious and/or mythological scenes, portraits of rulers and courtiers. At an open-fronted stall a bhang wallah with female assistant sieving leaf from the mixture prepares the hallucinogenic drink made from cannabis. One intoxicated reveller is so high as to be unaware of the dog licking his face - a particularly repulsive sight to the intended viewer given that dogs are reviled in India by both Hidus and Muslims. The eager customers represent orthodox Hindus and Muslims with their fine clothes and expensive weapons but also the unorthodox represented by two ascetic holy men who could be either fakirs (Sufi ascetics) or sadhus (Hindu ascetics).
Source: indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk

Folio from an Amaru Shataka manuscript. In a palace pavilion a lovelorn lady and her confidante converse - Malwa, c1650


Medium: Opaque watercolour on wasli
Source: indianminiaturepaintings.co.uk