INDIA, GUJARAT, AHMEDABAD, LATE 19TH– EARLY 20TH CENTURY

Resist-painted in manganese, with shades of red and black, the oblong panels feature seven multifoil arches typical of Moorish architecture. Each arch is decorated by two medallions and frames a group of neatly organised figures, including Indian women, Indian men, Western men, cheetahs, soldiers mounted on horses and hunters chasing animals. Above the arches is a band of horse-riding figures, followed by another band of geometric patterns. Below the arches is a band of tigers preying on gazelles and another band of elephant riders. Each section is separated by thin bands featuring floral motifs, evoking the Mughal past. The architectural design creates a visual pun, as the panels were originally made for tents. Along with the depictions of humans, flora and fauna, the textile resembles a microcosm of the duniya.