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Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2009.202.51
Title
Kota Ruler Watches an Elephant Combat
Classification
Drawings
Work Type
drawing
Date
18th century
Places
Creation Place: South Asia, India, Rajasthan, Kota
Culture
Indian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/194024

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Ink and opaque watercolor on paper; Rajput Style, Kota School
Dimensions
31.2 x 67.5 cm (12 5/16 x 26 9/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1999 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum.

Notes:
Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1999.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch
Accession Year
2009
Object Number
2009.202.51
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
The drawing features an elephant combat gone awry. The royal spectacle of an elephant combat consists of two elephants fighting with a wall in between. The wall is intended to prevent fatal or severe injury to the elephants. However, in this drawing, one of the elephants has managed to topple over the wall, crushing the other elephant. The impact of the elephant’s force is demonstrated through the swinging bells on the elephant and the unraveling of the elephant driver’s (mahout), turban. The attendants at the scene carry spears as well as charkhi, fireworks that are intended to scare and control the elephant. In the top register, a ruler watches the spectacle unfold from a balcony. His royal status is symbolized by the halo around his head. Rajput Style, Kota School.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu