Tippu Sultan sketch - Kerala Mural Archive

Location: Mattancherry Palace Theme: Non-narrative Visual Feature: Facial expression detail Visual Feature: Hand gesture (mudra)Visual Feature: Ornamentation

The image shows Tipu Sultan enjoying a dance. He is mustached and wearing a typical ha, big earrings, and a dagger in his right hand. Left hand is stretched out over his left knee. There is a sword beside him. Behind him there might be other faces which are not very clear. There is a dancer to the right of the panel. She has one hand outstreched to the front and another hand raised above her head . She looks like she is in the middle of her dance and is holding a pose. She wears a nath or nose ring that is huge. Her lower garment resembles the outfit of a Mohiniyattam dancer. There is also the head of a demon or someone similar in the panel. There is also the image of an elephant with a long curved trunk and tusks visible, standing between the dancer and Tipu Sultan.

Iconography

Primary Deity/Figure: Tippu Sultan and Dancer
Secondary Figures: None
Iconographic Form: Not applicable
Iconographic Attributes: Tipu Sultan, identified by his iconic mustache and hat, is holding a dagger in his right hand. His left hand is outstretched over his knee. His one leg is raised and the other is bent on the floor. He has a huge sword beside him near his leg. His one hand holding the dagger is resting against a large pillow or cushion. He wears a huge earring in his ear with a little pearl bead. He is looking at the dancer. The dancer wears jewelry resembling a mix of common Kerala dances. Her lower garment resembles the garb of a Mohiniyattam dancer. She wears anklets on both her feet. She has a set of bangles on her hands; She is striking a pose. Her one hand is held downwards while the other is raised upwards. She wears a saree-like outfit with her pallu dragging down her back. She has a nath or nose ring on her nose. She has beautiful eye makeup. There are ornaments worn over her head as well. There is an elephant with long tusk and trunk between the two figures. There is also the head of a demon with fangs, open mouth, and huge eyes between these two figures. There is also the figure of a human head in between them. Behind Tipu there might be other figures, but they are not very clear.
Rasa: Shanta

Spatial & Architectural

Temple: Palace interior
Zone within Temple: Ladies' chamber
Position in Pradakshina Sequence: Not Applicable
Adjacent Panels: Kireedam and Mohini

Narrative

Textual Source: Non-narrative
Mythological Tale: Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore during the colonial period of India, plays a significant role in the history of Kerala. He invaded several regions of Kerala and demolished several temples. He became etched in the myths and stories of the land. This depiction is an evidence of this fact.
Episode: Non-narrative

Condition & Documentation

Condition: Good
Deterioration Type: Other
Restoration Status: Not Applicable
Documentation Type: DSLR full panel
Permission Basis: ASI permission
Date of Documentation: 01/08/2024
Artist: Unknown
Identifier: MCP_P008
Rights / Notes: These images may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior permission.