Photograph of the Mirabai Temple and of the Kumbha Shyama Temple at Chittaurgarh, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1900s.
The temple in the foreground is the Kumbha Shyama Temple, situated in the fort and originally built in the 8th c. during the Pratihara period.
In the background is the temple dedicated to the 15th century saint princess of Jodhpur Meera Bai, who was famous for her poetic compositions and bhakti for Sri Krishna.
The impressive fortress of Chittaurgarh is situated on a narrow ridge that rises abruptly 150 metres above the plain. This ancient site was occupied by a succession of rulers from the seventh century including the Pratiharas who built many stone temples.
THREAD: Divine illustrations by Vaddadi Papaiah (1921-92), also known by the name VaPa; Telugu illustrator best known for his work on the covers of children's magazine Chandamama.
Sir John Dalling and fellow officers watching a nautch. Two of the officers use an eyeglass to observe the action more closely. They are comfortably seated on chairs under a tent, with an attendant standing behind them.
In front of the officers are two girls in vividly coloured garments which leave the midriff bare. Both are profusely bejewelled. Their hands are raised in expressive mudras while their feet stamp to the beat of the drums and cymbals played by the accompanying musicians.
Near the entrance to the tent is a chobdar with his long silver mace, and at a distance, beneath an awning, are two further attendants wearing turbans, flowing jamas and with embroidered shawls draped over their shoulders.