Rajput: sons of kings
paintings from the princely courts of India
An exhibition of colourful Indian miniature paintings depicting the luxurious lifestyle of the Rajput courts of the Indian state of Rajasthan from the 17th to 19th centuries.
These 76 miniatures convey the vitality, indulgence and sensuality of life at the Maharana’s court and present a window into a cultural world that no longer exists. They explore the role of the central figure, the Maharana, who is portrayed as warrior, hunter and patron of art, music and dance. The main themes include portraiture, the hunt and other leisurely pursuits, religion, the role of women, romance and politics. A large proportion were painted in Udaipur, the centre of Mewar, which was the last of the Rajput kingdoms to fall under the dominance of the Mughal empire in 1615.
Supporting sponsors
Nuruddin Maharana Raj Singh ll riding an elephant 1754 (detail), Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. National Gallery of Victoria, Felton Bequest 1980
8 Jun – 4 Sep 2005
$6.00 adult
$4.00 concession
$4.00 member
$4.00 student in booked school group
Location:
South Building, ground level, Asian Lantern galleries