Maharao Madho Singh hunting wild boar

Gouache on paper.

Madho Singh, the first ruler of Kota (r.1631-1648) gallops in pursuit of wild boar, a favourite prey of Rajput huntsmen. In this posthumous portrait, the Rao leans forward to thrust at the boar with his dagger, while the landscape is infused with a dynamic energy. The composition derives ultimately from early 17th century wall-paintings in the Bundi palace.

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