Man Dhata in Yogi Position
Unknown Artist
c. 1690–1700
Medium
Gum tempera and ink on paper
Dimensions
20 × 14 cm
Classification
Painting
Department
Indian and Southeast Asian Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Edward L. Whittemore Fund
Accession Number
1966.27
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
An unconventional ruler portrait depicts Raja Mandhata of Nurpur (reigned 1661/1667–1700) engaged in yogic practice, raising his breath to pierce the three knots (ghranti) of the subtle body. The knots, which are located at the base of the spine, the heart, and between the eyebrows, are identified, respectively, with the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra (Shiva). This rare image of the ghranti points to the key role that kings played in creating yoga’s visual culture.