The Vivacious Art of Haroti

Third of our four part series on Rajasthan’s miniature art

Hunting scenes are common in art. They are used to showcase the valour and courage of warrior kings and nobles, a way of inspiring trust in the people and showing off their power. While men are usually shown carrying out important actions, women are shown engaging in leisurely, pleasurable activities and often just waiting for their men to come back.

But this mid-18th century miniature showing queen Budhavati of Kota hunting tigers neatly flips the stereotype. This and many others gems are a part of the small yet significant Haroti school of miniatures in Rajasthan, rooted in the south-eastern part of the state.