The Portrait of a Maratha Warrior

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This equestrian portrait of a medieval Maratha warrior is remarkable for the motion that it depicts. Against a plain opaque background consisting of the colour of an almond the artist has created effect of movement by using the forward upward thrust of the horse and the spear he is carrying. For emphasising the war-like character of the figure and his errand the artist has, instead of saddling, armoured the horse especially by covering its neck with steel net to protect it from probable enemy attack. The forelegs of the horse lifted into air and its eyes fixed on some distant object portray both the commitment of the animal to its master and master's commitment to his errand.

Figure-wise the portrayal of the warrior is very impressive. He is wearing a Maratha turban with a crest of gold inlaid with precious stones. The round red mark, the bindi, on his forehead is typically Maratha and reminds of Chhatrapati Shivaji who always had his forehead marked with this sacred saffron mark. His whiskers and beard are decently dressed, as were those of both, the Maratha and Rajput warriors in medieval days. His neck is covered with a multi-laced ornament of pearls and a few of other large size beads. Most of the Maratha dynasties and ranks and files of medieval days are known to have greater preference for pearls. He is wearing an angarkha, a gown tied with laces instead with buttons. On a brown inner he is wearing an off-white short trousers and embroidered shoes. Both his hand holding the spear and his face reveal his determined mind.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.