Who painted Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila?

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila was painted by Jai Ram in 1736.

Where can I see Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila?

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila?

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila

Jai Ram , 1736

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Jai Ram. It dates from 1736 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2011.141
Credit line: Gift of Maxeen and John Flower in honor of Dr. Stanislaw Czuma

About this work

The king sits on a terrace, smoking from a golden hookah shaped like a goat, while his young son watches beside him.

You see a nighttime courtyard lit by candles and moonlight, where dancers in bright costumes act out a Hindu story. The king sits on a terrace, smoking from a golden hookah shaped like a goat, while his young son watches beside him.

This painting was made to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights. The dancer in blue with a peacock-feather crown plays Krishna, a beloved god. The king’s halo shows he rules with divine approval, a quiet way to remind everyone of his power.

To see more paintings like this, look up northwestern india, rajasthan, mewar, udaipur, 18th century.

Overview

Maharana Jagat Singh Attending the Raslila is an 18th-century Indian painting depicting a nighttime Diwali celebration in a palace courtyard. The scene blends religious narrative with royal portraiture, set against the backdrop of a geometrically designed garden under moonlight.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates the Raslila, a theatrical reenactment of Krishna’s life, with a dancer portraying Krishna under a celestial canopy. Maharana Jagat Singh, a Mughal vassal, is prominently seated with a halo, symbolizing divine legitimacy for his rule, accompanied by his heir.

Technique & Style

The work exhibits a blend of Mughal influences, evident in its formal gardens, playful perspective, and detailed portraiture. The nighttime setting is illuminated by candlelight and moon, contrasting with the vibrant colors of the dancers’ costumes.

History & Provenance

Created in the 18th century for Diwali celebrations, this painting is part of a large-format series from the region of Mewar (Udaipur), Rajasthan, in northwestern India, reflecting the selective adoption of imperial Mughal artistic sensibilities by regional courts.