Bidspirit auction | Large miniature painting depicting Darshan

Large miniature painting depicting Darshan - Large miniature painting depicting Darshan Northern or Central India, late 18th - early 19th century Natural pigments on paper, depicting a Maharaja in audience. The ruler is portrayed in a central position seated on a gilded throne. Behind and in front of him are arrayed notables in elegant dress, each bearing the arms that distinguish their social rank. Some of the assembled are identifiable as Habshi, from the Arabic al-Habashi, meaning 'of Abyssinia' and therefore, by extension, African. In the Deccan, many habshi were initially brought in as military slaves or bodyguards by Muslim sultans and over time, some of them gained positions of power, thanks to their military skills, loyalty and political expertise. h. 32 X 40 cm