Raja Chandulal and Raja Bala Prasad

This painting depicts a meeting between two Rajas: Chandu Lal and Bala Prasad.

Raja Chandu Lal sits on a yellow carpet along with red bolster with his name written nearby. He’s dressed in vibrant clothing and attended by servants. Raja Bala Prasad, adorned with a jeweled turban, stands before him in a gesture of supplication. Vessels, sweets, or flowers are placed between them. The background showcases a palace, trees, and a sky, while the foreground features a fountain and garden. Uniquely, the Rajas’ names are written in five different scripts above their heads.

Historical Context:

The painting reflects a real-life relationship. Chandu Lal was a powerful Prime Minister who patronized the arts. Raja Bala Prasad rose through the ranks to become Raja Bahadur. Together, they played a role in constructing a temple during Nizam’s reign.

Preserving this exquisite artistic legacy necessitates conservation efforts, particularly due to damage evident in the background and corners of the painting.