c. 1719-1720

Maharao Bhim Singh of Kota Attending Krishna as Brijnathji

The god Krishna appears here as Brijnathji, sitting on a low throne and wearing the jeweled regalia and halo of a ruler. Behind him, also dressed and haloed as a king and yet holding a peacock fan in the posture of a court attendant, stands the human ruler of Kota, Maharao Bhim Singh (ruled 1707–20). Along with jewelry and textiles, the physical size of figures often conveys their status and rank in paintings. Brijnathji fills most of the painted space, followed closely by Bhim Singh’s son, Arjun Singh, wearing pearl earrings and elaborate necklaces to indicate his royal status.