The painting personifies Raga Kumbha, one of the eight sons of Sri Raga. Kumbha refers to a pitcher filled with water, which symbolizes an auspicious omen. A young woman is pulling a pitcher out of the well. While a young thirsty solider, clad in a yellow choga (garment) and a white apron tied around his head draws her attention. The painting is based on one of the folk songs of Kangra valley that essays the accidental meeting of a husband and a wife. The solider after his marriage to a young girl goes away on service for several long years. On his return he visits his father in law to fetch his wife. He meets a young woman at a well and asks for water. He also pays compliment to her beauty at this she rebukes him sternly and rushes home. On her arrival at home, her mother asks her to put on her best clothes and ornaments as her husband had come. She attired in best of her finery when goes to meet him finds that he is the same person who met her at the well. Guilty of harsh words she had spoken to him at the well she attempts reconciliation and soon all misunderstandings are dissolved and they live happily afterwards as a loving couple.

About Miniature Paintings

Miniatures are intricate, colorful illuminations or paintings, small in size, executed meticulously with delicate brushwork. The history of Indian Miniature Paintings can be traced to the 6-7th century AD. Miniature Paintings have evolved over centuries carrying the influence of other cultures. The miniature artists gave self-expression on paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leather, marble, cloth and walls. Indian artists employed multiple perspectives unlike their European counterparts in their paintings. The idea was to convey reality that existed beyond specific vantage point.

The Kangra Miniatures of the Pahari School made a mark in the 18th century. Though influenced by the Mughals, the Kangra School retained its distinctiveness. The paintings were naturalistic and employed cool, fresh colors. The colors were extracted from minerals, vegetables and possessed enamel-like luster. Verdant greenery of the landscape, brooks, springs were the recurrent images on the miniatures. Texts of the Gita Govinda, Bhiari's Satsai, and the Baramasa of Keshavdas provided endless themes to the painters. Krishna and Radha as eternal lovers were portrayed rejoicing the moments of love. The Kangra miniatures are also noted for portraying the famine charm with a natural grace. The paintings based on Ragmalas (musical modes) also found patronage in Kangra.