Raja Sansar Chand attacking Kangra Fort

after 1782

Northern India, Pahari kingdom of Kangra

Medium

Gum tempera, ink, and gold on cotton cloth

Measurements

overall with border: 81.3 x 264 cm (32 x 103 15/16 in.); Painting only: 73 x 256.5 cm (28 3/4 x 101 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.120

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

The king is 17 years old, beardless, riding a dark brown steed in front of the camel at the far right.

Description

In 1782, the 17-year-old king of Kangra fought to retake his ancestral kingdom from the Mughals, who had controlled the territory since 1620. He rides a dark brown horse in front of the camel at the far right, blending in among his army and allies.

The leftmost panel shows the residents of Kangra fleeing the conflict with their belongings on their heads to the safety of the fortress at the far left, from the walls where cannons are being fired. The main temple, built of gray stone, is in the middle of the composition, marked by red flags.