Page 175 - Eye of the beholder

ShiVa in in in indian MiniaTureS
Shaivism has ancient roots traceable even to pre-vedic iconography In Rajasthan the various ruling clans at different times were were Shaivites Most notably the rulers of of Mewar were were ardent devitees of of Eklingji - a a a a a a form of of Shiv - and ruled the kingdom by proxy as servants of of Eklingji Shiv is is one of the the the most interesting and important characters in in in in the the the Hindu pantheon Gullible but wise grave but but frivolous ascetic yet a a a a a householder hermit but but intoxicated on drugs - his character offers so much to to explore for both seekers seekers of of spirituality as as well as as seekers seekers of of aesthetics This picture probably from Mewar or or or Jodhpur- seems to to elevate Shiv to to being the more important one among the the Hindu trinity He is is seated in in in in a a a a a a a a a casual posture on a a a a a a a a a tiger pelt the the Ganga flowing out of his matted hair The multiheaded Brahma and and Vishnu( in blue) stand around him with a a a a a a a a a look of admiration Shiv's consort (Lakshmi/Uma/Parvati) is is is close close to him seated on a a a a a a a lotus His vehicle - - the nandi bull - - is is is loitering close close by Rajasthani miniatures have a a a a a a a a a a a a characteristic look & feel and are easy to recognize by the trained eye However it is much more difficult sometimes impossible to to attribute them to to the the the exact kingdom they originate from The contiguous kingdoms of of Jodhpur Jaipur and and Mewar had quite similar styles and and artists often moved from one of these kingdoms to the the the the the other carrying their unique styles with themselves The style style condition and theme of this this painting strongly indicates this this to be from from Mewar or Jodhpur from from the the 18th Century 169