Royal couple enjoying Diwali (1600/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Illuminated palace
Scene at a fort-palace area on the night of Diwali
Let there be light
Fireworks along the wall decorated with lighted earthen diyas or lamps
Light and sound
Performance by lady musicians on lighted marble pavillion in the backdrop
Prince royale
Maids in shimmery attire, behind the prince royale holding flywhisks
A night to spark!e
A royal couple seated on ornate chairs, dressed in festival finery, enjoying fireworks, the princess holding a sparkler with its sparks falling into a cistern
Celebrate with light
A lady attendant holds a sparkler, herself in resplendent attire, standing inside a carpeted pillared marble pavillion
Dispelling the darkness
Lighted candles in the foreground further illuminate!
Princess royale
Confidantes whispering to each other behind the seated princess, in front of a pillared carpeted pavillion
A Festival of lights
Truly a happy and bright Diwali!
Text and Curation : Soma Ghosh
Photography : M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Special thanks to Dr. A Nagender Reddy, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.