Gods, kings, and tigers : the art of Kotah

Abstract

Focusing on the art of a single Rajasthani kingdom, founded during the early 17th century, this text investigates in detail its political, religious, and cultural context. Providing an in-depth examination of Kotah and its rulers it highlights some 70 paintings and 10 items of royal regalia from the Kotah royal collection, including images of the gods (especially Krishna, the deity of the royal family and kingdom), and pictures of festivals and ceremonies. Scenes of Kotah Fort and day-to-day activities are also shown, with vivid depictions of royal tiger hunts, which have often been conmpared with paintings by Henri Rousseau. Five essays on the art and history of Kotah, as well as entries on the individual works, are included in this volume, cataloguing an exhibition that will travel in North America and Europe. An art-historical introduction describes the forces that shaped the Kotah style and especially the oeuvre of the recently identified Kotah Master. Other subjects include the interrelation of paintings, poetry, and devotional practice; the techniques and materials employed by Kotah painters; and discussions of subject matter, dating, and artistic skills. The book is published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Indian independence.

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