Adi Granth Paintings : Raga-Ragamala & Barah-Maha/Ranjit Singh Gill. New Delhi, Aravali Books, 2002, 196p., plates, $66. ISBN 81-86880-83-6.

Contents: 1. Foreword. 2. Introduction. 3. Sikhism. 4. The ten Gurus. 5. Saints + Bhatts. 6. Birth of Khalsa. 7. Rituals and ceremonies. 8. The tradition of Sikh devotional Kirtan. 9. Fine arts and Ragamala musical forms. 10. Ragamala from Guru Granth Sahib (translation). 11. Ragmala painting. 12. Bara Maha : introduction English translation. Rewriting of Punjabi English translation + original. 13. Bara Maha (rewriting by the artist-author).

"Adi-Granth, holy scripture of the Sikhs is composed in various ragas and arranged according to their order. Towards the end there is special mention of hierarchy of ragas, the ‘ragamala’s. It also contains ‘Barah-maha’ – the constant longing of the soul for the eternal God expressed over a period of twelve months.

"The present volume is a novel attempt to depict these religious compositions through the medium of colour. What could be hitherto only heard as a string of words has been infused with a strong lively vibration. Each canvas is complete and imposing in itself. The whole collection, with artist-author’s concise facts becomes a synergy of the arts, a devout prayer, and a holy vision.

"For lovers of art and literature the book provides a unique opportunity to discover human mind, its longings, aspirations, achievements, and a courageous respect for nature." (jacket)

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