Ragamala (Garland of melodies) paintings are an Indian tradition of miniature painting designed to accompany poetic and musical musings. Frequently featuring couples in various states of embrace and separation, the lovers personify the moods induced by the changing seasons, while the scenery conveys the relevant time of day and season in which the raga is to be sung. Most paintings also demarcate the specific Hindu deities attached with the raga.

Ragamala paintings often show women distracting themselves with music as they long for absent lovers. The central woman in this image from Hyderabad is flanked by a pair of peacocks while her companion creates the music.