Untitled (Homage to their Majesties the King and Queen)

Private Collection

M. V. Dhurandhar, one of the most prominent Indian artists of his time, painted this elaborate court scene which depicts King George V and Queen Mary at the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The watercolour intends to show an audience that was given by Queen Mary to the ladies of the ruling princely states, but it also includes the Emperor, who was not present at the event. Dhurandhar may have incorporated this detail intentionally as a mark of respect and loyalty to the British. He was awarded his fifth gold medal for this painting at the Art and Industrial Exhibition in Gwalior in 1912.