Installation of Krishna Raja Wadiar, Robert Home, Oil on Canvas, 65.5x110.5 cms.

Krishna Raja Wadiyar III, born in 1794 was the then ruling Maharaja of Mysore. Along with his strong political skills, he is remembered for his patronage of visual arts and music. He was succeeded by his grandson, Chama Rajendra Wadiyar X. The Hindu dynasty was restored in Mysore in 1799 after the fall of Tipu Sultan. Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiar was installed on the gaddi at an early age of three years. Later the state went into the control of the Empire until 1881, after which Maharaja’s adopted son, Chamrajendra Wadiar was installed on the gaddi. Painted within an oval wooden panel, this painting by Robert Home is in chromes of yellow and gold. Shining in its monochrome representation, a huge crowd is seen witnessing the installation of the Maharaja. He is seated on a gold throne with an ornamental backrest. An ornate circular fan draws focus towards the Maharaja’s seat. Dressed in his traditional choga and Mysore pagdi, Krishna Raja Wadiyar is painted in a bent posture, receiving something from one of the attendants. While the British offi cials are seated on chairs surrounding the Maharaja, he is on a high seat atop the stairs. Several performers are painted towards the left of the composition.

Portfolio Name: Company Paintings in Rashtrapati Bhawan
Source: Lalit Kala Akademi