When my American friends were hoping for Spring to come a couple of weeks back, I was praying that it stays for some more time. Spring here in Chennai is completely over and Summer will reign for the next 7 months. Yup in Chennai – we have only three seasons – hot, hotter and hottest!! 😀 The weather might be searing hot but we chennaities always put our best foot forward at occasions and gatherings showing off our choicest silks and exquisite jewelry. So I bring you the last line of the Ragamala collection that is inspired by ‘Deepak Raga’ the hindustani raga for Summer to give you a taste of Indian Summer dressing. Ragamala for one last time, Ladies!!
About Deepak Raga
Parent Raga: Deepak raga
Wives: Kachheli, Patmanjari, Todi, Kamodi, Gujri.
Sons: Kaalanka, Kuntal, Rama, Kamal, Kusum, Champak, Gaura, Kanra
Deepak means lamp and its a raga that is usually sung in the evening at lamp lighting time. Its a quaint old raga but considered very powerful – so powerful that it can light a fire. There is a story surrounding Akbar (the Mughal emperor) and Tansen (legendary royal Musician) where courtiers in Akbar’s palace claimed that Tansen could light lamps in a courtyard by singing Deepak raga and that he would give such a performance. Tansen was perplexed as his reputation was at stake. He could sing it but the raga would burn the singer in the process which could only be reversed by singing the “Megh Malhar” the raga of monsoon by someone equal to him. In one version of the story, Tansen’s performance raises the temperature and lights up the lamps in the courtyard, leaving him with burns in the process. His daughter then sings Megh raga, causing a downpour to cool Tansen and saves his life.Here is a necklace with a painting depicting the above story
Beaded necklace in blue and pyrite with Deepak Raga focal – where Akbar is seen listening to Tansen’s music decoupaged on a 32g brass handcut sheet with kemp stone pendant Length excl pendant -22″ , pendant drop – 3.5″.
Patmanjari ragini is the wife of Deepak Raga. Here the Ragini is seen enjoying the company of her friends in evening under a canopy. The natural contrast of red and green brings out the rich artistry of the Canopy
Glass bead necklace with a 32g brass handcut pendant with chain border. The image is of a lady holding a ‘rudra vina’, surrounded by deer depicting Todi Ragini the wife of deepak raga. Carnatic equivalent – Subha Pantuvarali. Length excl pendant -21″ adjustable with rope cord , pendant drop – 2.5″
Story In a bottle design with the variation of the same image as above. The bottle is completely glazed & has been embellished with hemp cord and rhinetones. The necklace contains glass beads, metal rings along with maroon suede cord. Length excl pendant -30″ , pendant drop – 3
Kamal is the putra (son) raga of Dipak; The only offspring raga that I have used in my entire collection. I tried using this image in many ways but none of them worked, par this one. This Asymetrical necklace comprises of 5 types of beads – glass, acrylic, metal, wire and fabric. Also I have prong set a rectangular stone with just three prongs, which is very unorthodox and new as atleast 6 is used for stability on such large pieces. The setting is similar to that of the Megh necklace here
All necklaces shown above are sold; But I am making a few more bottle necklaces again and you can find them on my facebook page
This is the end of the Ragamala series, Find previous posts on the other Raga Families here:
What is Ragamala?
Bhairav Raga – Raga of Autumn
Megh Raga -Raga of monsoon season
Malkaus Raga – Raga of Winter
Hindol Raga – Raga of Spring
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
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