Cleveland Museum of Art

Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710–34) Worshipping a Linga Under a Banyan Tree

Date: c. 1712–15
Medium: Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Culture: Northwestern India, Rajasthan, Rajput Kingdom of Mewar
Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Institution: Cleveland Museum of Art

Shrines alongside bodies of water were associated with serpent deities. A four-headed snake painted gold is wrapped around the linga (the phallic emblem marking the sacred presence of the god Shiva). Facing the linga is a marble image of Shiva’s mount, the bull Nandi. Flowers, packets of paan (areca nut and sweet aromatics wrapped in betel leaf), coconuts, and a flower garland are among the offerings. A brass ewer holds purified water, and a bell would punctuate moments of recitation. A blue-and-white porcelain cup holds the fragrant yellow paste to be applied to the linga and the forehead of the pious king. A miniature sculpture of Nandi, the bull mount of Shiva, is next to the king on the terrace.

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