Ruler and His Court watching a Nautch Dancer and Musicians

The drawing depicts an enthroned ruler at the top center of the image under an awning. He wears a turban with ornaments that signify his royal status and has a large, black shield (dhal) in front of him. Behind him are three attendants, one of which holds a flywhisk over his shoulder, which also denotes the ruler’s status. At the center of the image is a young Nautch girl. Nautch (“dance”, “dancing”) is one of the several styles of popular dancing in North Indian performed by young women. She is accompanied by a group of male musicians. Flanking them is a row of courtiers.