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Lot 185

A Maratha prince imitating a dancing girl accompanied by three musicians
Tanjore, late 18th Century

2 April 2009, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £2,880 inc. premium

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A Maratha prince imitating a dancing girl accompanied by three musicians
Tanjore, late 18th Century

watercolour on paper, English inscription at bottom, framed
229 x 327 mm.

Footnotes

The powerful Marathas were founded by Shivaji (1627-1680), an exceptional and gifted ruler who, aged only twenty, rescued a famine-struck and worn-town Maharastra, establishing an independent area around Pune in strong opposition against the Mughals and Muslim rulers of Bijapur. Maratha influence and power continued to spread after Shivaji's death but his descendants suffered a crushing blow from the Afghan invader, Ahmad Shah Abdali, at the battle of Panipat in 1761. But the legend of Shivaji went on to inspire future generations who were instrumental in the independence of India in 1947.

Little is known about Maratha painting and the few examples that have survived bear much Deccani and South Indian influence. For comparison see M. Zebrowski, Deccani Painting, London 1983, pp. 234-37 and pl. xxiii.

Additional information