Painting depicting a busy scene where a king, seated on an elephant in the centre-right, proceeds with his entourage towards the left side. There are people riding elephants, camels, and horses, along with horse-drawn carriages, push-carts, livestock, and a variety of men, women, and children in various styles of dress.
AKM203, Royal Procession of Maharaja Sher Singh and His Sons

© The Aga Khan Museum

Painting depicting a busy scene where a king, seated on an elephant in the centre-right, proceeds with his entourage towards the left side. There are people riding elephants, camels, and horses, along with horse-drawn carriages, push-carts, livestock, and a variety of men, women, and children in various styles of dress.
AKM203, Royal Procession of Maharaja Sher Singh and His Sons, Back

© The Aga Khan Museum

Click on the image to zoom

Royal Procession of Maharaja Sher Singh and His Sons
  • Accession Number:AKM203
  • Creator:signed by “Bishan Singh, the painter”
  • Place:Pakistan, Lahore
  • Dimensions:25.4 x 42.4 cm
  • Date:ca. 1870
  • Materials and Technique:opaque watercolour and gold on paper

  • This painting captures an event during the short reign of Maharaja Sher Singh (r. 1841–43) of the Punjab (a region that spans the modern-day countries of India and Pakistan). The bearded and bejewelled king rides near the rear of the procession, preceded by an elephant carrying his two sons, and a varied entourage reflecting the different ethnicities and faiths of his realms. The vivid blue turbans and leggings worn by some of these people represent the indigo-dyed clothing worn by particular communal groups in the Punjab.

Note: This online resource is reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. We are committed to improving this information and will revise and update knowledge about this object as it becomes available.

news_icon

Get connected. Stay engaged. Sign up for the latest updates from the Aga Khan Museum