Maharaja Gulab Singh and Thakur Kulan Singh
enjoying a feast with others
by Jodhpur court artist
circa 1840 CE
Gouache on paper
9.9 x 13.4 in. (25.1 x 34 cm.)
Back: “Thakur Shri Gulab Singh ji Sam Shri Somdhi? got khap Ranawat
Khushal Singhji ro chhoto bhai, Madare Sokarja? Pankho Rakhe;
Thakur Raj Shri Khulan Singh ji? SomSi ? got Rajthin ? khap Ranawat;
“Chaakar Ramoji hoko pivo;
“Chakar Jagmal Ranawat Dolat Singhji”
Two young Thakurs- Gulab Singh, brother of Kushal Singh and Kulan Singh, both of Ranawat clan are depicted feasting with their courtiers who are seated hierarchically. Two servants (including a morchal bearer and a cook) are standing behind the group. Barbecued food can be seen in the centre of the composition and is also shared by the two nobles. All the men are shown clad in white outfits, colourful turbans and all are holding their shields and swords.
Set on a bright colour palette, folk renderings are enhanced with thick black outlining and drooping eyes. A line of olive green dense banana trees behind the white carved balustrade is contrasted with mustard flooring of the terrace and grey-ish blue skyline.