Portraits of a Rajpootani; Buddun Sing, Rahtore; Darab Khan; Mewatti Sudram Gosaen

Lithograph of four portraits, by Louis Haghe (1806-1895). Plate 12 of James Tod's: 'Annals and antiquities of Rajast'han or the Central and Western Rajpoot States' published in London in 1829.

In 1818 Mewar and other princely states of Northern India signed a treaty with the British, and Colonel James Tod became the first Political Agent to the Western Rajput States. Along with his official duties, Tod became very interested in the genealogies of the Rajput Kingdoms as well as the art and architecture they produced. Tod described the Rajput people's demeanour and appearance by stating: 'High courage, patriotism, loyalty, honour, hospitality, and simplicity, are qualities which must at once be conceded to them....The ladies have only three articles of parure; the ghagra, or ‘petticoat’; the kenchli, or ‘corset’; and the dopati, or ‘scarf’, which is occasionally thrown over the head as a veil. Ornaments are without number. For the men, trousers of every shape and calibre, a tunic girded with a ceinture, and a scarf. The turban is the most important part of the dress, and is the onerring mark of the tribe.’

Lithographer: Haghe, Louis (1806-1895)

Medium: Lithograph

Date: 1829