Artwork Page for Man Dhata in Yogi Position

Details / Information for Man Dhata in Yogi Position

Man Dhata in Yogi Position

c. 1690–1700

India, Pahari, Nurpur, late 17th Century

Medium
Gum tempera and ink on paper
Measurements
Overall: 20 x 14 cm (7 7/8 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Edward L. Whittemore Fund 1966.27
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
On view at National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, DC, Apr 18, 2026 - Jul 26, 2026
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Description

An unconventional ruler portrait depicts Raja Mandhata of Nurpur (reigned 1661/1667–1700) engaged in yogic practice, raising his breath to pierce the three knots (ghranti) of the subtle body. The knots, which are located at the base of the spine, the heart, and between the eyebrows, are identified, respectively, with the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra (Shiva).

This rare image of the ghranti points to the key role that kings played in creating yoga’s visual culture.
A vertically oriented gum tempera and ink painting depicts Man Dhata, a man with a medium skin tone, seated cross-legged on a patterned reddish-brown ground against a yellow background. He wears a black crown topped with pink lotus buds and a red pleated skirt. Small blue and three-headed deities appear on his bare chest. A long white shawl drapes over his shoulders, and black armbands with tassels decorate his upper arms.

Man Dhata in Yogi Position

c. 1690–1700

India, Pahari, Nurpur, late 17th Century

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