Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710–34) Worshipping a Linga Under a Banyan Tree

c. 1712–15

Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Mewar

Medium

Measurements

Page: 24.8 x 18.1 cm (9 3/4 x 7 1/8 in.); Miniature: 23.2 x 16.8 cm (9 1/8 x 6 5/8 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2018.144

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

A miniature sculpture of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, is next to the king on the terrace.

Description

Shrines alongside bodies of water were associated with serpent deities. A four-headed snake painted gold is wrapped around the linga (the phallic emblem marking the sacred presence of the god Shiva). Facing the linga is a marble image of Shiva’s mount, the bull Nandi. Flowers, packets of paan (areca nut and sweet aromatics wrapped in betel leaf), coconuts, and a flower garland are among the offerings. A brass ewer holds purified water, and a bell would punctuate moments of recitation. A blue-and-white porcelain cup holds the fragrant yellow paste to be applied to the linga and the forehead of the pious king.