Rasamanjari: The Nectarous Ocean

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Rasamanjari, The Nectarous Ocean, is a collection of paintings originating from Bhanudatta fourteenth century work of the same name describing Shringara Rasa in Basohli style of Pahari Painting produced in three versions of which the present one of A.D. 1695 is more refined, mature and perfect as compared to the other two. Basohli art has left a mark on the cultural horizon of India with these miniatures of the highest aesthetic appeal. The ‘Rasamanjari’ appeared in vigour and quality of simplicity, boldness and broad mannerism making these creations models of frankness, vitality and vigour in style, individualistic in nature and strong in artistic convictions in this small principality called Basohli. Rasamanjari paintings display charming, vibrant, penetrating colour delighting our eyes and heart. Contrasts of red, yellow, Krishna blue, lavishly displayed Orchres and deep greens make these printings lavish, graceful, distinct and glamorous. The vegetable and mineral burning colours are obviously derived from the folk-art tradition. The sensitive curvaceous line and bright colours when softened look glorious in pastel shades. The young women appear in their costumes, high nose line, receding fore-heads, lotus shaped eyes, faces of almond shades, shapely figures, unique postures, passionate looks and give us a glimpse of cultural background of seventeenth century A.D. joy of love, sensuous behavior, inviting gestures and captivating looks enrich the glorious works in miniature painting of advancement in a puritanical society of the hills. Rasamanjari Paintings have simplicity of composition and delicacy of colour which mark them out from other Basohli Paintings and relate them to more refined Kangra – Guler style. We notice revivalical approach heading to revolt against corruption in cultural and aesthetic values in a civilization and this transformation in cultural heritage and religious tradition is perfect in silent colours against the inert, bleak and monotonous way of life. We face our religion, in experiments and new adjustments where love was now developed as a way of life, where sensualism and mysticism amalgamated to seek the creation of God to make us realize the hollowness of the world, which Rasamanjari Paintings of A.D. 1695, painted by Devidasa at Basohli aim at. Only six paintings of Basohli Rasamanjari have appeared in publications, in the past 65 years. The Nectarous Ocean brings 95 works printed in actual size for the first time.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Onkar Rahi

Novelist, short story writer, poet, linguist, art historian art critic, painter, sculptor, social scientist, sportsman and a filmmaker, Onkar Chandra Sharma, who writes under the nom de plume Onkar Rahi, was born on 20th, May 1940 in a family of scholars traditionally devoted to the studies of Sanskrit and oriental languages. A combination of sports and scholarship, love for research, astrology, occult, tantra, culture, Vedic studies and social services, make Mr. Rahi a rarest of the rare personalities. He joined prestigious Indian Police Service at the age of 23 after serving as a lecturer in a college for two years and retired at the top most rank as Director General of Police from Madhya Pradesh, the State where Khajuraho is located. His first encouter with Khajuraho, in 1965, continued culminating in Khajuraho Unknown in 2006. Mr. Rahi is credited with seven novels in Hindi and one in English, a collection of short stories, two books on Hindi linguistics, an anthology, and two books on art and sculpture. His novel 'Shavyatra' published in 1972 was acclaimed by the critics as one of the best in Hindi literature. He has edited famous work, 'Crime Against women'. As chief editor of M.P. Police and society. His earliest contribution, as editor, was noticed in 1961 in 'Kangra Annual' an art magazine, and ever since he is dedicated to studies in art. Human Rights Criminal justice system and violence against women are his special fields of activity. His hobbies include collection of rare books, coins, paintings, sculpture and antiques. Presently he is settled in his home town, Kangra in Himachal Pradesh under the snow clad Western Himalayas and is involved in social and charitable activities in addition to his literary pursuits.