Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710–34) Worshipping a Linga Under a Banyan Tree
Unknown Artist
c. 1712–15
Medium
Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
Dimensions
page: 24.8 × 18.1 cm · miniature: 23.2 × 16.8 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Purchase and partial gift from the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection; Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession Number
2018.144
About this artwork
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...