An exhibition on the then ruler of Mysore through the lens of the East India Company painters
An exhibition on the then ruler of Mysore through the lens of the East India Company painters
Dramatic lighting and black walls. sets the mood for viewing historical paintings dedicated to Tipu SultanThe horrific of British India, which made the Company’s officers quake in their shoes.
‘Tipu Sultan: Image and Distance’, the Delhi Art Gallery’s (DAG) exhibition of over 90 artworks, including prints and maps curated by Giles Tillotson, brings to life the colorful yet promotional narratives behind the ruler of Mysore As seen through the eyes of the East. Painters of India Company. There is also an accompanying book on the subject written by the curators.
show stopper
Perhaps the most dramatic of the oils, performed by Henry Singleton (1766–1839), depicts Tipu throwing off his turban, drawing his sword, and holding a British soldier firmly by his arm, while others besieged the rest. Huh. From the rank of Sultan. A mixture of defeat and bravery can be seen in Tipu’s expression as he tries to resist till the end. Titled ‘The Last Effort and Fall of Tipu Sultan’, the artwork created for a British audience, depicting the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War, is being shown in India for the first time.
“Tipu Sultan posed the most powerful challenge to the might of Britain’s East India Company during his period of greatest territorial expansion,” Tillotson writes. Building on the legacy of his father Hyder Ali, during his relatively short reign as ruler of Mysore, Tipu (1782–99) proved to be an efficient and steadfast governor of his kingdom, flexible in forming alliances but ready to be aggressive. Towards the neighbors,” he says.
history of debate
While Tillotson wants to stay away from the fiery political conversation around Tipu in the face of right-wing pushback, he acknowledges the historical importance of doing such shows in India. Ashish Anand, MD & CEO, DAG says, “Keeping in view the trend of Indian artefacts being exported abroad, we have decided to bring this material to India to showcase to Indian audiences.”
Exhibits include a plethora of paintings, prints, maps, and other items – and the craft centers around a story Mysore war fought by Tipu and his father Hyder Ali, The images are naturally based on British perspectives of the time, but they have been critically examined by curator Tillotson to reflect changing perceptions of this epic battle and its political and social repercussions.
With this exhibition, Anand and his team of art experts tried to ask the public themselves where they stand with respect to Tipu. “Some people idolize him while others are fiercely criticizing his contribution. What cannot be disputed is that he was the most formidable enemy before the British in India,” he says. “This exhibition explores how these images are interpreted in India today.”
By August 31, 2022, at The DAG, The Claridge’s, New Delhi.
The author is a critic-curator by day, and a creative writer and visual artist by night.