It’s spring in India. And while the illustration above* is all mildness and white (and indeed the kunda finds mention in a lot of Sanskrit spring poetry) the flowers of spring that are emblematic of the season are quite red … Continue reading
Like śiśira, there is an abundance of snow, the sun shines weakly – resembling the moon – and those who can stay indoors, preferably with their lovers*. It is the season to stay home, curl up alone or with family … Continue reading
Like him or hate him, Raja Ravi Varma remains influential more than a 100 years after his death. Recreating his work seems to be a bit of a thing ranging from the recent Rang Rasiya to Makaramanju to Pushpamala’s photo … Continue reading
She’s taken off her belt (with it’s tingling bells) also her jingling anklets her silk sari is soaked through-her body too, to the bone. Thank God! for the lighting flashes: They show her the path the one her messenger described. … Continue reading
The word spiritual is a rather loose rubric for this post which encompasses women philosophers, traditions of mysticism and wandering minstrels. None of these is entirely exclusive of the other yet they are different ways of pursuing knowledge or the … Continue reading
Note that in pic 1 (dated about 1775), the couple appear to be forest dwellers. In most paintings women wear a short skirt of leaves or peacock feathers to indicate the forest setting. But the jewellery here may indicate a … Continue reading
This gallery contains 3 photos.
In the Gallery: 1. “An elegant lady stands facing right holding a white floral garland with both hands. She is finely dressed in an olive green pleated sari edged with gold over a crimson underskirt, the end draped over her head like … Continue reading
Lesbianism in 18th century art. And an extract from Ismat Chughtai’s Tedhi Lakir.
Vintage Indian Clothing 