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Vilaval Ragini. Hyderabad, Deccan. 18th century. 11cm by 7cm.

Miniature in size and miniature in detail, this Deccani ragamala illustration from Hyderabad is very strong in Mughal influence, showing nothing of Rajput features, instead relying on naturalism, depth, and indicating psychological insight by varying facial features and expression.  Fastidiously rendered, this small painting loses none of its detail even when magnified to a much larger size.

It is typical of ragamalas from Hyderabad in the 18th century.  In ragamala convention Vilaval ragini is usually depicted with a beautiful woman looking into a mirror at her reflection, as is the case here.