Nizam II of Hyderabad On An Expedition
Exploring a royal Deccani artwork (from circa 1794) by court artist Rai Venkatachallam through an in-painting journey
Nizam II on a Hunting Expedition (Late 18th century) by Rai VenkatachallamSalar Jung Museum
Nizam II riding on an elephant
The Nizams of the Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled Hyderabad state of the Deccan in India from 1724 to 1948. Mir Nizam Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah II (7 March 1734 – 6 August 1803) was the 2nd Nizam (r.1762 -1803). Here he is seen riding a caparisoned elephant, with a falcon in his hand and a royal attendant behind him. The area is close to the Golconda Fort and he is most probably on a hunting expedition.
Monsieur Raymond on horseback
Michel Joachim Marie Raymond, popularly called Monsieur Raymond was a French general in the army of the 2nd Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Nizam Ali Khan. Here he is seen in the Nizam's entourage riding on a horse, the French troops are also seen behind the standard bearers.
The 'Nishan'
The procession is led by the nishan (standard) carried on an elephant.
The Kingsmen
Courtiers of Nizam II, part of the entourage.
Mahlaqa Bai in a palanquin
Mahlaqa Bai (1768 – 1824) was an influential courtesan of the Deccan and an accomplished poet. The Nizam, ruler of Hyderabad, appointed her to the 'umrah' or the highest nobility. An expert archer she accompanied Nizam II in battles, hunting expeditions and camping. She moved in a palanquin with guards and drummers announcing her arrival.
The Kingsmen
The Nizam's courtiers as part of entourage.
The Kingsmen
The Nizam's courtiers as part of entourage.
The Cheetahs
Cheeetahs who assisted in hunting, as part of the team being taken on ox driven carts.
The Kingsmen
Different noblemen under Nizam II, accompanying him on the expedition.
The Kingsmen
Different noblemen under Nizam II, accompanying him on the expedition, The artist Rai Venkatachallam is also seen (on black horse with hand raised).
The Kingsmen
Different noblemen under Nizam II, accompanying him on the expedition.
Royal Insignia
Attendants on foot behind Nizam II, the ruler and on elephants carrying royal insignia Mahi -o-maratib and kettledrum.
Text and Curation : Soma Ghosh
Research Assistance - Dinesh Singh and Mohammad Arif
Photography : M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Special Thanks to Dr. A. Nagender Reddy, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References -
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizam_Ali_Khan,_Asaf_Jah_II(accessed 23.07.2022)
2.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_Joachim_Marie_Raymond(accessed 23.07.2022)
3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mah_Laqa_Bai(accessed 23.07.2022)
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