INDIA, RAJASTHAN, MARWAR, CIRCA 1760

The present scene depicts a host of holy Hindu ascetics, or sadhu, unwinding in a chandu-khana, or opium den. They are brandishing several weapons as they hunt a mouse perched at the base of a tree. They are all enjoying themselves in their inebriated states, partially undressed, revealing scrawny and contorted forms. This painting has previously been attributed to Hyderabad, though more similar paintings of the subject appear to be from Marwar. See for example, another painting from Marwar, and dated to circa 1775, in the collection of the San Diego Museum of Art (Edwin Binney 3rd Collection, 1990.722).