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Maharana Sangram Singh II hunting blackbuck with cheetah at Nahar Magra
(c. 1725-1730)
Medium
opaque watercolour and gold paint on paper
Measurements
43.0 × 48.2 cm (image) 46.3 × 52.0 cm (sheet)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Felton Bequest, 1980
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Hunting was not only a recreational activity but also an important aspect of Rajput ceremonial and religious culture. In peacetime, orchestrated hunts could satisfy Rajput warrior instincts while providing opportunities to make sacrificial offerings to the Hindu deity of creation, Shiva. This ritual would ensure an ongoing harmonious existence with nature and facilitate neccessities of life such as seasonal rains, healthy newborn children and a kingdom secure from intruders. The cultural significance of hunting is most graphically displayed in large panoramic tamasha (depictions of court life, religious festivals and other royal activities) scenes, which are some of the most fascinating paintings produced by the Rajput courts.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Inscription
inscribed in brush and ink on reverse (in Devanagari script) c.
Accession Number
AS93-1980
Department
Asian Art
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Gordon Darling Foundation