TWO PAINTINGS OF JHALA ZALIM SINGH (1730 - 1823) AND MAHARAO UMED SINGH (R. 1771-1819), RULERS OF KOTA
Possibly Kota, Rajasthan, North-Western India, 19th century

Opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, the two vertical compositions depicting two separate encounters in a palatial setting between Jhala Zalim Sing, the de-facto ruler of Kota who also seized control of Bundi and Udaipur, and Maharao Umed Singh, the official ruler of Kota between 1771 and 1819, both scenes set on a palatial terrace, within bright red borders, 35cm x 25.5cm and 31cm x 25.5cm.

It is interesting to note, that the scale of the visitor in each illustration is always smaller compared to the host who rests against a large white bolster, this manipulation, emphasises the importance and the power of each character when portrayed at their respective courts.