By R.G. Singh, Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana

This oval vignette is perhaps from the second decade of 20th century.

Dressed in shimmering silks, adorned with gem-studded jewellery and sporting stylishly tied Mysuru turbans, the Maharaja H.H. Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV Bahadur and the Yuvaraja H.H. Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar Bahadur wait in front of the arches leading to the Aanay Baagilu which leads into the open courtyard of the palace connecting the peacock pavilion.

The photographer has captured this interesting interregnum between veneration of royal animals and vehicles during Ayudha Puja (Mahanavami) as part of Navaratri celebrations.

As the siblings graciously wait under white parasols (shvetachatra — white umbrellas are reserved for royalty and some monastic heads) for the next animal/ vehicle to arrive and receive the customary worship from them, the chief priest onto the right of the Maharaja probably refers to the book ‘Devata Nama Kusuma Manjari’ (compiled by Maharaja H.H. Krishnaraja Wadiyar III) which contains all the laudatory verses chanted during the ten-day festival.

Several uniformed palace aides carrying regal standards are in attendance. A few gentlemen in the picture are seen sporting the single strand garland which proclaimed the fact that the privileged person was invited to attend the Maharaja’s  Khaas Durbar. Note, in this photograph the Maharaja is on the carpeted ground.

In later years we see a special canopied high pedestal, like a mantapa, on which the Maharaja honours the royal animals including his personal cars.

[Size: 23 x 18 cms;

Collection: Ramsons Kala Pratishtana]