Description
the Popular Bani Thani Marble Statue
The marble statue of Bani Thani is a sculptural interpretation of the 18th-century masterpiece created by court painter Nihal Chand of the Kishangarh School of painting in Rajasthan. It immortalizes the singer and poetess, the muse and consort of Raja Sawant Singh (who wrote poetry under the name Nagari Das).
1. Distinctive Stylistic Features
The statue is instantly recognizable by the distinct, highly stylized features adapted from the miniature painting:
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Elongated Facial Structure: The face is intentionally elongated and slender, emphasizing an idealized, ethereal beauty.
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Lotus-Shaped Eyes: The most iconic feature is the pair of long, almond-shaped, or ‘lotus-petal’ eyes that are half-closed and highly stylized, often giving the statue a dreamy or mystical gaze.
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Sharp, Pointed Nose: A very sharp and pointed nose is characteristic of the Kishangarh style and prominent on the marble face.
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Thin, Arched Eyebrows: The eyebrows are gracefully arched, mirroring the dramatic curve of the eyes.
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Chiseled Profile: The statue often captures the classic side-profile view of the original painting, emphasizing her graceful posture and delicate, pointed chin.
2. Attire and Adornment (Shringar)
The statue is typically carved in pristine white marble, but it is often painted and adorned to resemble the rich colors and jewelry of the original artwork:
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Veil (Odhni): She is usually shown wearing a delicately carved transparent veil (odhni or chunari), which is pulled elegantly over her head and face, revealing only the lower part of the face and her signature eyes.
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Jewelry: The marble is intricately carved to show a rich variety of jewelry (Shringar), including a heavy pearl necklace, large earrings (jhumkas), and a distinct round nose ring (nath) that covers a part of her lips.
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The Lotus: In her hand (usually the left), she is often depicted holding a pair of lotus buds or a single long-stemmed lotus flower, symbolizing grace and purity.
3. Spiritual and Artistic Context
Though a physical sculpture, the statue embodies the spiritual and romantic essence of the painting:
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Divine Love: Bani Thani’s image was the inspiration for the Kishangarh school’s depiction of Radha, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. The statue therefore represents not just a historical woman, but the ideal of divine and devoted love.
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Symbol of Rajasthani Art: It serves as a stunning example of Rajasthani craftsmanship, where the smooth, cool texture of marble is shaped to convey the delicate, passionate, and refined aesthetic of the Kishangarh school.
The marble statue of Bani Thani is a testament to the enduring power of the miniature painting, transforming its two-dimensional elegance into a popular, three-dimensional symbol of idealized Indian feminine beauty.
