The Story Of Indian Mona Lisa
Bani Thani
Hello Dear Friend,
Today I would like to present the tale of an Indian beauty, which is popularly known as Indian Mona Lisa. This parallel drawn with Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting is embedded in the very fact that an Indian school of painting developed around Bani Thani’s portrait.
Who is Indian Mona Lisa?
During the 18th century in Kishangarh state of Marwar kingdom of Rajputana, a courtesan named Vishnupriya came to be known as Bani Thani(one who is groomed). Bani Thani is popularly known as Indian Monalisa as court painter of Kishangarh Nihal Chand drew her portrait, which marks the beginning of the Kishangarh School of Painting.
What Is The Story of Bani Thani?
Bani Thani was introduced in Kishangarh court by King Sawant Singh’s mother; as a dancer. Sawant Singh was the 7th king of the kingdom. Sawant Singh was an acclaimed poet who wrote under pen name of Nagaridas. Apart from being a poet he had an inclination towards singers. Bani Thani was a beautiful dancer, singer and a proficient poetess. Sawant Singh's encounter with her was the beginning of their romantic story. Her beauty and her talent enamored Sawant Singh; she became Sawant Singh's courtesan. According to some chronicles, Sawant Singh later married her in 1740. It is said that she wrote under the pen name Rasikbihari.
Bani Thani was subject to Nihal Chand's painting. The portrait of her defined the features of Kishangarh school of Art. The eyes of the portrait were the main attraction of the painting, large curvaceous eyes with arched eyebrows became the signature style. It is said that Sawant Singh was captivated by eyes of Bani Thani and had asked Nihal Chand to draw them. Another theory for such eyes was that they were inspired by the eye of Srinathji; a cult of God Krishna.
The Bani Thani painting had features like elongated nose, beautiful lavish jewelry, traditionally dressed, crowned head. This painting was inspired by the sringar rasa nayika.
The Kishangarh Radha
Kishangarh during the rule of Sawant Singh was under the influence of Krishna Bhakti. The Krishna Bhakti also inspired even the paintings of Bani Thani and Sawant Singh. It is due to this that Bani Thani came to be known as the Kishangarh Radha.
The painting of Bani Thani is imitated by local artist and is sold in markets. It is a must-have souvenir from India and Rajasthan.
Image Source:
https://upload.wikimedia.org
Ya I have heard and read about it she was indian mona lisa...preety very beautiful...;-)
no doubt mona lisa was very beautiful and very interesting story she has...
Thank you.
You welcome...
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by rainsa from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, someguy123, neoxian, followbtcnews/crimsonclad, and netuoso. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows and creating a social network. Please find us in the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.
If you would like to delegate to the Minnow Support Project you can do so by clicking on the following links: 50SP, 100SP, 250SP, 500SP, 1000SP, 5000SP. Be sure to leave at least 50SP undelegated on your account.
she look damn gorgeous in the painting...superr...
Thank you.
Have you've heard the story of a monkey and god? I liked that one, also kinda of funny but cruel at the same time...
So this is one thing to look out for during the next trip to Rajastan!
This post has received a 1.06 % upvote from @buildawhale thanks to: @rainsa. Send at least 1 SBD to @buildawhale with a post link in the memo field for a portion of the next vote.
To support our daily curation initiative, please vote on my owner, @themarkymark, as a Steem Witness
Interesting read. Bring more from these culturally rich Rajasthan.
One ride from the inner roads of Rajasthan and I realized there are so many stories waiting to be unrevealed.
Rajasthan is beautiful, good you are witnessing it.
Nice story
Thank you.
This image is absolutely lovely. I hadn't heard of it before. I'm excited to learn about it. :)
Thank you. Glad you like it.