Governor's Bodyguards (Madras 1912)

Miniature painting flourished in Punjab under royal patronage. Apart from the royal patronage, the painters enjoyed the magnificence of the lower and middle class as well as the aristocrat class. Paintings feudal in nature were quite popular.

The portrait shows the governor's body guard posted in Madras in 1912. The tenacious face expression and the regal posture is the highlight of the portrait. A broad striped turban adorn his head. He wears a well fitted, long, red tunic, the neck and the belt of which is trimmed with brocade. The metallic shoulder flap covers his right shoulder and trimmings run from the flap, across to the left shoulder. Various other decorations go criss cross over his chest. A traditional qamarband (waist-band) is neatly folded and tied around his waist. At the end of the sleeve is brocade edging and embroidered golden pattern. He wears long leather boots extending up to his knees.

He stands in a relaxed manner, with the left knee bent slightly. He holds the sword in the left hand, the end of which rests on the ground. The right hand also rests on the hilt. The expression on his face is pensive, the eyes staring out in space. The lips are tightly pursed, showing signs of firmness.