Princesses playing Polo with companions

This well-composed painting is illustrated by the artist Dana from Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The painting presents a scene of two princesses, along with their companions, playing a game of Polo, or 'Chaughan Bazi'. It was a favourite traditional outdoor game among royal ladies having great prevalence until the 19th century. The game of Polo is generally played between two teams of five players riding on horses with sticks having angular ends. It was noted that while playing polo in 1210 that Qutab-din-Aibak had died falling from his horse.

It is said that Chand Bibi was a gallant horse rider and fine polo player. She was the sister of Murtaza Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar and the widow of Ali Adil Shah I, the Sultan of Bijapur. She is known in history for her heroic battles with the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar.Chand Bibi is among a small group of historic Indian women who took on powerful men. Paintings such as this provide clues to the liberal life-style of the Deccan.