Ladies of the Zenana on a Roof Terraceby Ruknuddin, Bikaner School, 1666 AD.
Bikaner School is a fascinating one as it passed through different phases. It was initially influenced by the Malwa-Mewar, then by Mughal (as here in this painting), by Deccani School, and for some time by Kishangarh School. It was, thus, eclectic and cosmopolitan in its taste.
Ruknuddin, one of the most famous painters of Bikaner, worked under Raja Anup Singh of Bikaner. When Raja Anup Singh went to Deccan, Ruknuddin went with him. He was also influenced by the Deccani School of miniature painting.
Ruknuddin's paintings are known for their luminescent colors, for their slim, but squat women, for their secular scenes. His women tend to be squat, with slightly bigger faces, and small shoulders.
This painting depicts a scene of the Zenana, where the royal women are enjoying wine and music. It a summer evening, the fountain is flowing, the music is echoed, wine is being served. A woman in the center offers wine to her companion. Another woman, holding a mirror, looks out at us. She seems bit dazed. A few art historians interpret the scene as showing the prevalence of lesbianism in the harem. There are paintings of other Schools which are more explicit on this theme.
Unfortunately, Bikaner miniatures are no longer available in India. Most have been sold to museums and private collections. There are hardly any scholarly works on the Bikaner School. We have lost a national treasure.
Ruknuddin, one of the most famous painters of Bikaner, worked under Raja Anup Singh of Bikaner. When Raja Anup Singh went to Deccan, Ruknuddin went with him. He was also influenced by the Deccani School of miniature painting.
Ruknuddin's paintings are known for their luminescent colors, for their slim, but squat women, for their secular scenes. His women tend to be squat, with slightly bigger faces, and small shoulders.
This painting depicts a scene of the Zenana, where the royal women are enjoying wine and music. It a summer evening, the fountain is flowing, the music is echoed, wine is being served. A woman in the center offers wine to her companion. Another woman, holding a mirror, looks out at us. She seems bit dazed. A few art historians interpret the scene as showing the prevalence of lesbianism in the harem. There are paintings of other Schools which are more explicit on this theme.
Unfortunately, Bikaner miniatures are no longer available in India. Most have been sold to museums and private collections. There are hardly any scholarly works on the Bikaner School. We have lost a national treasure.
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