1850~, Murshidābād

1850~, Murshidābād

Identifier
0761(IS)
Collection
Material
Technique
Depiction
Dimension
150.5 cm (height)
177 cm (width)
Production time
Production place
Type of object

Description

Textiles, Gaddi, Murshidabad, 1850 The gaddi was one of the most important textiles used in the Indian court. Often simply a textile spread on the floor with a cushion for the ruler to lean on, the gaddi constituted the seat of power and formed the focal point of a darbar or court gathering. The concept of royalty was so closely linked to this portable seat of power that the accession of a ruler was referred to as 'ascending the gaddi' , even though the actual ceremony of investiture often took place on a raised seat or platform of marble, stone or metal. Textiles made up the bulk of furnishings used at the Indian court, and were often richly decorated.