Thakur Rajan Singh (?) of a thikana in Marwar
by Marwar court artist
circa 1850 CE
Gouache on paper
10 x 7.2 in. (25.4 x 18.3 cm.)
Back: “Kan Rajan Singh Surat Singhot”
Thakur nobles of Marwar had their portraits painted at various
occasions in a comparatively folk style.
Portrait of Thakur Rajan Singh (?) riding a horse shows him donning fine clothes, bejewelled turban, pearl necklaces and finely trimmed whiskers. He holds a long javelin and a sheathed sword as symbolic of his military endeavours. The chestnut horse’s trappings are modest but attractive including a line of spiky ornament which runs along its neck till its dumchi (strap tied around its tail), orange saddle cloth and a harla (or necklace) with silver totems embedded in it. The Thakur noble is accompanied by an attendant walking along the horse and holding a sheathed sword.