March 26, 2004

The Prince of Bikaner

In Delhi today, and the final of the India-Pakistan cricket series is being waged as I type. This is the most important series of matches in a nation where cricket is like a religion... and Sachin Tendulkar is a god. Everyone who can is now glued to their tv/radio following the match.

More importantly for us though, this match amounts to some small respite from the touts and salesman who are usually the bane of every tourist. "No thanks, I'm not interested." "No thanks, I already have one." "No thanks, I've already been there." "No!" "No!" "No!" "No!" "No!" "No!" "No!" "No!" Indian salesman must be about the most tenacious in the world, and it seems everyone has something to sell.

This was never more apparent than when we were fortunate enough to meet a member of the royal family of Bikner. We had just finished exploring the massive castle at Jodhpur (the beautiful blue city), when a small jolly man with a large woolly moustache and a regal almost yoda-like bearing, offered to take us deeper into the palace to see some very "special" artwork. Our man turned out to be none other than the Maharaja's uncle, and the art none other than his own work.



But royalty is certainly no guarantee of artstic talent, and the Prince of Bikaner was certainly no Michelangelo. But what do you say to a prince of the realm when he proudly shows you his art (and I'm using the word "art" very loosely here) and then asks - or rather urges - you to buy it!

I try not to burst out laughing, mumble something about not having enough money on me, and not wanting to insult His Highness, but still end up the proud owner of a fine miniature camel painting, for the handsome sum of 190 rupees (about AU$5).
Finally, for your viewing pleasure, I now attach a photo of this masterpiece of royal Indian art, a very special glimpse of this rare artistic triumph:

Posted by Andrew Wallace @ 9:40 AM