Description
Mughal emperors forged alliances with the Hindu rulers of territories under their control by offering them positions of military authority within the Mughal court. Jaswant Singh, the raja (ruler) of Jodhpur, served as a military officer under the emperors Shah Jahan (reigned 1627–58) and Alamgir (also known as Aurangzeb; reigned 1658–1707). The flowering plants at the end of his sash became popular during the reign of Shah Jahan. His military accouterments include two swords and a stabbing dagger. The sensitive shading and mode of dress are closely based on Mughal styles, indicating Jodhpur’s close allegiance to the Mughal empire.
Provenance
(R. E. Lewis, Inc., California, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1981); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1981–)
Accession Number
1981.5
Medium
Gum temper and gold on paper
Dimensions
Image: 23.3 x 12.8 cm (9 3/16 x 5 1/16 in.); Overall: 28.7 x 16.3 cm (11 5/16 x 6 7/16 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Andrew R. and Martha Holden Jennings Fund