Haridra Ganapati

This magnificent miniature created using lighter tones of bright colours portrays in an amalgamated art style of hill regions and Rajasthan the Haridra Ganapati form of Lord Ganesha, though with some variations. Haridra Ganapati, one of his thirty-two forms, has been defined in scriptures as the one who is endowed with complexion of gold, is clad in yellow gold-like glowing vestment, sits calmly on a posh, regal throne and inspires his devotees to freely reach him and stand in close vicinity. The posh, regal throne has been replaced here by his much liked lotus which, in an expanded form, serves as the regal throne. One of the devotees holds in her hands a tray of modakas and the other a pot with water surmounted with the sacred coconut. Typically, his vehicle the mouse is seen holding in its hand a modaka. It seems as if it is holding it to its Master.

Lord Ganesha has been depicted in this painting reclining on a large lotus which seems to float upon milk-like white waters corresponding to Vishnu's Kshirasagar, the ocean of milk, and to Vishnu's known posture. Instead the hood of the Great Serpent Shesh, the most usual attribute of Lord Vishnu's iconography, here in this painting such effect has been created by a wide expanded aura and the umbrella-like bent banana leaves. He is as elegantly bejewelled as an image of Vishnu and holds like him just a bunch of lotus flowers and a commemorative lace of beads. In some texts the Haridra Ganapati form of Ganesha has been identified as an aspect of 'Hari' or Vishnu. It seems the artist of this painting, by creating the likeness of Ganesha to correspond with that of Vishnu, has taken this line of Ganesha iconography.

With their deep elongated eyes, sharp features, pointed noses, long curls of hair, well defined necks and slender waists the devotee figures have their stylistic roots in Kishangarh art. Their ghagharas, cholis and odhanis rendered in soft tones of red, green, gold, pink and of course the off-white, and with broad borders and bold prints link them with the costumes of Rajasthan. The clouds, a typical mix of red with magenta, have reflections of both Pahari and Rajasthani art. Abundance of lotus flowers and the iconography of Ganesha have reflections of Basohli art.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi.