Maharaja Bakhat Singh of Nagaur

Gouache with gold on paper.

In this jharoka window portrait, the strong profile depiction of Maharaja Bakhat Singh (1706-1752) is complemented by a rich interplay of floral patterned textiles and architectural ornament. The younger son of Ajit Singh of Jodhpur, Bakhat Singh murdered his father in 1724, and his brother Abhai Singh then granted him the territory of Nagaur. An intrepid warrior and gifted poet, Bakhat Singh in turn was murdered by a vengeful niece.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.