A Bhil Couple Hunting, Possibly Bikaner, India, 19th Century
This work shows a Bhil couple hunting, the female figure shown with the characteristic leafed skirt.
The Bhils are a tribal people of Central and Western India who gained notoriety from the late 16th century onwards, through their employment by the Rajputs. Given their knowledge of the local terrain, Bhils often served as scouts (shikaris) or soldiers in the army. Famously, Maharana Pratap Singh of Mewar (r. 1540-1597) kept a company of Bhils who carried out an effective guerrilla campaign against the Mughals. The scene of Bhils hunting deer at night was a popular subject and was repeated throughout the Rajput and Mughal painting ateliers.
Framed
36 x 27cm