In Ragamala paintings, each family is headed by a male raga. Which of the following is NOT one of the six main ragas?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Bilaval
Option (1) Bhairava — One of the six main ragas. Bhairava heads a family of raginis.
Option (2) Dipak — One of the six main ragas. Dipak heads a family of raginis.
Option (3) Bilaval — Not one of the six main ragas. Bilaval is a ragini, a female consort. It is among the surviving folios of the Chunar Ragamala of Bundi.
Option (4) Shri — One of the six main ragas. Shri heads a family of raginis.
NCERT (2026-27): “Ragamala paintings are pictorial interpretations of ragas and raginis. Ragas are traditionally envisioned in divine or human form in romantic or devotional contexts by musicians and poets. Each raga is associated with a specific mood, time of the day and season. Ragamala paintings are arranged in albums invariably containing 36 or 42 folios, organised in the format of families. Each family is headed by a male raga, having six female consorts called raginis. The six main ragas are Bhairava, Malkos, Hindol, Dipak, Megha and Shri.” “Bundi School of Painting …Amongst the surviving few folios of the Chunar set are Raginis Khambavati, Bilaval, Malashri, Bhairavi, Patmanjari and few others.” |