King Enjoying Music and Dance
16th – 17th century CE
TSM Accession: 2375
Pleach No: PIF/00DMP12
Title: King Enjoying Music and Dance
Style: Golconda School – Deccani Miniature
Artist: Unknown
Medium: Water colour on paper
Dimensions: 26 x 19 cms
Period: 17th– 18th century CE
Rights: Telangana State Museum, Hyderabad
Documented by: Pleach India Foundation, Hyderabad
This Deccani miniature from the Qutb Shahi era depicts a king and his beloved enjoying music and dance. The artwork reflects the era’s elegance through its fluid emotions, simple composition, and subtle color palette.
The Decani style painting showcases themes of wealth, prosperity, and a devotion to art, evident in the portrayal of the King, maids, musicians playing instruments, and a dancer. This artwork features a harmonious composition of figures, architectural elements, and a vibrant color palette.
The King is seated on a specially designed golden chair, adorned in a golden jama and turban, complemented by jewellery. He wears a pleasant expression as he enjoys the music and dance around him. Behind the King, two women stand, each dressed in a robe and golden turban, holding fly whisks. In the foreground, two more women sit on the floor, attentively watching the dancers.
In the background, three musicians play various instruments, while two female dancers perform in the front. The scene is set in a gallery, with trees and a palace visible behind the figures, highlighting the artistry characteristic of the Golconda School of art.
