Three Noblemen in Procession on an Elephant Painting by Venkatchellum (active 1780s–90s) Object Name: Illustrated single work 18th century India, Hyderabad Opaque watercolor and gold on paper This painting of a procession is attributed to Venkatchellam, court painter to Mir Nizam 'Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II (r. 1762–1803), the nizam of Hyderabad. While the landscape and background are only sketchily indicated, the men seated in the palanquin are depicted in great detail, down to their necklaces, of which every pearl is raised from the surface of the page. Leading the procession are rows of soldiers in Indian garb, while bringing up the rear are soldiers in European-style uniforms who carry muskets with bayonets. © The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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It's a shame the names of the three people in the howdy are almost impossible to read. I can only make out the last part of the title given to the person sitting closest to the mahout; it is 'Bahadur.' The person right behind him seems to be a 'Raja Maharaj'. The person sitting right at the rear of the howdah seems to be "Raja Nayak", though I still can't read the last part of his name. Does anyone know more about these three? Any guesses?

very nice painting!