Product Description
Against the backdrop of colonial rule in India, the mural reveals a poignant narrative of denial and naïveté. The rulers, oblivious to the insidious mechanisms unfolding under their gaze, turn their eyes uniformly to the right, symbolizing their blinkered denial.
The scene is set on a beach, where a royal court awaits the arrival of ships bearing sumptuous vilayati (imported) fineries. The maharaja, seated regally with a bag of jewels, is prepared to reward any bearer of good news. By his side, pet leopards stand guard, seated elegantly in a display of quiet power.
Perambulators carrying the wish-fulfilling egg named Arzu glide by, while sledges filled with merry makers add to the festive atmosphere. Primed horses and ceremonially placed cannons enhance the grandeur of the scene, with zebras serving as visual ornamentation, their striking patterns adding an exotic touch.
In the distance, a temporary room with a draped window offers a private area of ease. An owl named Munshi, the accountant, sits vigilantly by the maharaja’s chair, symbolizing wisdom amidst the opulence.
This tableau, rich with symbolism and detail, paints a vivid picture of a world steeped in luxury and denial, where the true currents of change flow unnoticed beneath the surface.