Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir with Sons and Courtiers

1870s

Bourne & Shepherd

(British, active India, 1868–2016)

Culture

Northern India, Pahari kingdoms

Medium

albumen print

Measurements

Paper: 21.5 x 29.5 cm (8 7/16 x 11 5/8 in.); Mounted: 31.3 x 34.5 cm (12 5/16 x 13 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2024.80

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Location

242B Indian Painting

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Did You Know?

Anchoring the center of this oval composition is the maharaja, resplendent in richly embroidered robes and jewels and wearing a sword and a dagger.

Description

Ranbir Singh (1830–1885), a ruler of the military Dogra dynasty, sits enthroned, surrounded by members of his court. He was the son of Gulab Singh (reigned 1846–1856), depicted in the portrait at the left. The courtiers in the front row—including his son—sit in European-style chairs, and one of his soldiers wears a British-style uniform and helmet. The picture’s oval format was popular among the British. These visual elements communicate Dogra’s allegiance to British colonial rule. Ranbir Singh supported the British during the Uprising of 1857, after which India became part of the British Empire.