A scroll-painting

ca. 1860

Detail of a scroll painting showing Krishnaraja Wadiyar, Raja of Mysore (r.1799-1868) on an elephant leading a religious procession in honour of the god Shiva. (He was formerly misidentified as Raja Sarabhoji of Tanjore (1777-1832).) British military commanders are also shown. From left to right:- Krishnaraja Wadiyar is preceded by dancing-girls, musicians, chauri-bearers and men carrying illuminations and letting of fireworks. The Raja is followed by the British Resident and two Indian military commanders on horseback, elephants with kettledrums, horsemen and a great crowd with illuminations. A wooden platform bearing an image of Shiva on a prancing horse under a canopy, followed by a crowd with dancing-girls and musicians. Four temple cars dragged by ropes bearing images of Durga on a lion, Shiva on Nandi, Shiva on an elephant and Shiva on a horse. Dancing girls and men with fireworks. Shiva in an elaborate gold and red carved car drawn by four small red horses. etc.