The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 25, 2025
Shamsher Sen of Mandi with a youth
1760–70
Image: 16.5 x 13.9 cm (6 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.); Border: 20.3 x 17.6 cm (8 x 6 15/16 in.)
Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski 2012.302
Location: Not on view
Did You Know?
Shamsher Sen wears a small silver whistle in his turban.Description
In 1727, Shamsher Sen inherited the Pahari kingdom of Mandi. The artist has rendered him with an intense gaze directed at a man, possibly his lover, who greets him with respect.The ashes on his forehead and neck mark Shamsher Sen as a follower of the Hindu god Shiva. In his turban, alongside an array of flowers, he wears a whistle, announcing his participation in a religious order devoted to Shiva. The inscription in the lower border reads shri damyan, meaning “Honorable Minister,” since he ruled as a minister of the Hindu god Krishna. Pahari rulers often pledged loyalty to multiple divinities.
- George P. Bickford [1901–1991], Cleveland, OH, to Dr. Norman Zaworski?–2012Dr. Norman Zaworski [1920–2013], Cleveland, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art2012–The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- Indian Gallery 242 Rotation – April-November 2018. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (April 2-November 18, 2018).
- {{cite web|title=Shamsher Sen of Mandi with a youth|url=false|author=|year=1760–70|access-date=25 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2012.302