Portrait of Raja Udai Singh of Marwar, “Mota Raja”
Artist
Unknown
Dateabout 1600
MediumOpaque watercolor and gold metallic paint on paper
Dimensions12.9 x 7.4 cm (5 1/16 x 2 15/16 in.)
ClassificationsNon-Western Miniatures
Credit LineGift of Alexander H. Bullock
Object number1957.7
Label TextRaja Udai Singh (1538-1595), popularly known by the sobriquet, Mota Raja (fat king), was the Rathore ruler of Marwar (r. 1583-1595), or present-day Jodhpur. The death of his father sparked a war of succession, with Udai Singh’s younger brother, Chandrasen Rathore, claiming the throne. As a result, Udai Singh sought alliance with the Mughal emperor Akbar (r. 1556-1605), and accepted suzerainty. Having proved his worth to the Mughals by serving as both warrior and the rank of “mansabdar (commander) of 800 cavalry” on behalf of their military campaigns, Udai Singh was granted the sinhasan (throne) of Marwar by Akbar in 1583. The allegiance between Udai Singh and the Mughals strengthened further with the former’s youngest daughter, Jodh Bai (lit. Princess of Jodhpur), better known by her title, Jagat Gosain (lit. Saint of the World) marrying Akbar’s son and successor, Jahangir (r. 1605-1627). Udai Singh is also the maternal grandfather of the emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1628-1658).
This portrait, commissioned by Akbar, depicts the portly Udai Singh with a chilanum (cat. 29), a type of Indian dagger characterized by its elegantly splayed pommel, tucked into his patka (waist sash). Although he wears a traditional type of Rajput turban, the white jama (robe) is distinctly Mughal. The stains under the arms a result of wearing musk, a perfume derived from the secretions of the musk deer. The painting’s naturalism, fine execution, and psychological sensitivity are typical of the painting style of Akbar’s court.
ProvenanceAlexander H. Bullock, Worcester MAOn View
Not on view
