Processional scene with Amar Singh, ruler of Tanjore and Sarabhoji.

ca. 1797
Thanjavur, India
Varnished gouache on paper

The pictures made by Indian artists for the British in India are called Company paintings. This one depicts Amar Singh, ruler of Tanjore or Thanjavur from 1787 to1798, and Sarabhoji (ruled 1798-1832). The fact that Amar Singh is in the larger gilded carriage suggests that this painting was made before 1798. In that year the British pensioned him off and sent him away to Tanjore. Sarabhoji (shown here in the smaller carriage) was then recognised as ruler of the state.

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