Skip to Main Content

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more.

Open today: 10am-5pm

c. 1750

Maharana Jagat Singh II Amuses Himself in His Pleasure Palace

Artist/maker unknown

This large-format painting is one of many detailed works created for the rulers of Mewar (modern Udaipur in Rajasthan) depicting celebrations, pleasures, and incidents in the palace. Here the hefty and haloed Maharana Jagat Singh II (ruled 1734-51) appears three times-shooting buffalo in the foreground, swimming with his women in the water pavilion, and standing in the courtyard surrounded by more of his women.

The pleasure palace, tilted downward to simultaneously display full details of exterior and interior, was one actually built by this ruler. The painting furnishes the minutiae of palace life, including information about the original hydraulic system. The hexagonal pump house with its water-wheels stands in the middle of the lake to supply the pleasure pools and fountains of the island-palace.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]