Gold KOFTGARI dhal shield
Origin: Rajasthan
Date: 19th Century
Size: 22 inches
Ref: SD18026
Price: SOLD
A 19th century Rajasthani Hide Dhal of considerable size measuring 22 inches in diameter.
The shield is set with four primary bosses decorated with gold Koftgari overlay design rendered in floral and geometric patterns with a further two secondary bosses of solid silver construction.
One of the bosses is finished with two inscriptions in Rajasthani containing Hindi & Gujarati letters and words.
Inner Ring: Kapaj ba ka raga rasa.
Outer Ring: Maharaj Shri hesi(?)si(?) gaj raj dhan maha … pa(?) … 19 pa(?) 5? … sa 36411 sana.
Although there is a notable amount that cannot be read at this point and requires further research, it is clear from what can be deciphered that this inscription is most likely a dedication.
On the inner ring the words “Raga” and “Rasa” are found. “Raga” is a musical mode, while “Rasa” refers to the aesthetic qualities of visual and literary arts.
The Outer Ring seems to be a dedication to a king. The first two words are “Maharaj” (great king) and “Shri”, an honorific that is referring to this “great king”. The next word appears to be “hesisi” it may be from a local, Rajasthani dialect(?).
Next is “Gaj” and “Raj”, which means “king of elephants” and is also a popular first name.
Following this are the words “Dhan” meaning “wealth” or “money” and “Maha” meaning “great”.
At the end of the inscription the letter “sa” is found followed by 36411 and “Sana” which means “praise” or “brilliance”. The numbers are most likely an inventory or armoury number.
The gold Koftgari decoration is 100% intact and the shapes of the bosses can be found on 19th century examples of Rajasthani shields and the sprig pattern can be found on other objects from Rajasthan, including a helmet at the Harvard Art Museums (1959.198) and a katar at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (acc. no. 36.25.1075a, b)
The back of the Dhal retains its green velvet knuckle pad in worn condition.
Overall an interesting and aesthetically pleasing Dhal with an inscription that provides room for further research.
*Research contribution: Rachel Parikh Ph.D., Harvard Art Museums Calderwood Curatorial Fellow of South Asian Art
