The story of Bani Thani is a captivating tale of love, art, and beauty that originates from the princely state of Kishangarh in Rajasthan, India, during the 18th century.

In the court of Raja Samant Singh, a ruler known for his patronage of art and culture, there lived a gifted painter named Nihal Chand. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna and was deeply inspired by the divine love between Radha and Krishna. Nihal Chand's artistic brilliance was evident in the lifelike portraits he created, each painting reflecting a touch of divine charm.

One day, while wandering through the palace gardens, Nihal Chand caught a glimpse of a mesmerizing woman. Her name was Bani, a young and graceful courtesan, whose beauty and elegance seemed to radiate like moonlight. Her captivating allure left the artist spellbound, and he found himself painting her likeness in the form of Radha, the beloved of Lord Krishna.

As Nihal Chand spent hours absorbed in the artistic representation of Bani as Radha, his feelings for her grew stronger. His heart longed for her, but he knew that their worlds were worlds apart. Nihal Chand was an artist of lowly birth, while Bani was a courtesan, a woman of the royal court.

Despite the challenges and societal norms that stood between them, Nihal Chand could not suppress his emotions any longer. He mustered the courage to reveal his feelings to Bani, through the exquisite portrait he had painted. When she saw the painting, Bani was deeply moved by the love and admiration Nihal Chand had captured on the canvas. His art seemed to have immortalized her beauty and essence in a way that touched her heart.

Though Bani was flattered by Nihal Chand's affection, she was aware of the obstacles they faced. Her heart, too, had begun to lean towards the sincere and talented artist, but she was torn between her feelings and the societal expectations placed upon her.

Amidst this emotional turmoil, Raja Samant Singh noticed the exquisite portrait of Bani as Radha. He was captivated by the artistry and the emotion conveyed in the painting. Intrigued, he inquired about the painter responsible for this masterpiece.

Learning of Nihal Chand's love for Bani, the Raja summoned both of them to his court. He was impressed by the depth of Nihal Chand's love and the brilliance of his artistry. Moved by their story, the benevolent Raja granted them his blessing, and with it, the permission to be together.

Nihal Chand and Bani Thani, as she came to be known, embraced their newfound happiness. Their love story became the stuff of legends, and Nihal Chand continued to paint Bani Thani in the guise of Radha, immortalizing her beauty and their love through his art.

Over time, Bani Thani's portraits became renowned for their unique style, characterized by elongated eyes, arched eyebrows, and a slender neck – features that symbolized grace and beauty. This distinctive artistic style, called the "Kishangarh School of Painting," gained fame and recognition across the region.

Bani Thani's legacy lives on through the captivating paintings that bear her name and the timeless tale of love and art that she shared with the devoted painter, Nihal Chand. Their story continues to inspire artists, poets, and romantics, reminding the world of the enduring power of love and the beauty that transcends time.