A Lady Enjoying Her Drink

This is an interesting early portrait of a lady whose identity has baffled scholars and the interpretations range from a princess to a courtesan. In the absence of any inscription, her identity can only be surmised through the surrounding environment as well as her personal décor.

The setting is of a palatial house having niches decorated with vases and other designs and rich gold printed green curtain. A huge brocaded bolster supporting her is generally seen in the paintings of royalty. She has worn a beautifully brocaded striped sari in a kashta style like a dhoti, which is also wrapped round passing over the left shoulder ending with a gorgeous pallu spread in front. Her blouse has rich embellishment on the sleeves. Her studded golden anklets are particularly noteworthy as golden anklets are an exclusive prerogative of the royalty and those who are specially allowed by the king as a special favour.