#pahari painting

Ganesha with Consort
circa 1825. Kangra, India. Pahari painting. 18 x 15 cm
️ National Museum, New Delhi

Four armed Ganesh is seated on a lotus against a big cushion with his wife. His upper right and left hands are holding axe and spear, while from lower left hand he is holding his consort and from the lower right hand eating a laddu (modaka) from a plate held by his consort. In the foreground, left and right corner a bowl of fruits and golden utencils of water are kept. Lord Ganesh and his wife have a halo behind their heads.
(viaMuseums of India - National Portal and Digital Repository)

Lila Hava – Exchange of Clothes
18th century. Garhwal, Uttarakhand. Miniature Painting. 20.4 x 21.6 cm
Founded in 1658 the Gaharwal atelier became dominated by Molaram (1743-1843) who produced some brilliant paintings filled with life and colour and resonant of Krishna.

The painting shows Radha and Krishna seated in the solitude of the forest enjoying the ecstasy of love. Radha fully immersed in the shringara rasa is wearing just a translucent odhani. The amorous play of the couple has reached its fulfilment and now Radha, whose inner soul is already united with her beloved is eager to change her outer appearance “you become Radha and I will become Madhava!” She has crowned herself with the mukuta of Madhava (Krishna) and now doing shringara of Krishna. Their love-drenched eyes are completely lost in each other.

The artist seems to have understood the philosophy of the theme very well. The lush green forest with a few blossoms and a few chirping birds are the only witnesses to this divine drama. The bluish-grey background suggests the advent of dawn.
(viaCSMVS Mumbai)

Panchamukha Ganesa
18th century. Kangra. Pahari painting. 20.32 x 13.97cm
Now in Allahabad Museum, Allahabad

Picture shows five headed Ganesh (Panchamukha) seated on the base of lion.
(viaMuseums of India - National Portal and Digital Repository)

Goddess Ganga
18th - 19th Century. Kangra. Pahari painting. 26x19cm Now in National Museum, New Delhi

Painting showing Shri Bhagirathi (goddess Ganga) is seated on a fish in the ocean. Bhagirathi has four arms and in the upper hand she is holding golden pots. Gandharvas are see in the sky throwing flowers on her.
(viaMuseums of India - National Portal and Digital Repository)