The V&A purchased the painting in 1912 from Dr A.K. Coomaraswamy, a renowned historian of Indian art.
Nainsukh made this work approximately in 1751. This small-scale painting of a firework celebration exemplifies the Guler school of Pahari miniature painting of the eighteenth century. Nainsukh was a great painter of the Pahari tradition. He was prominent around 1710–1778. The painting of the son of a painter named Pandit Seu reflects a distinctive style that adopts Mughal naturalism and the refined grace of Himalayan court painting.
This painting shows a celebration taking place in the royal courtyard. In the dark night, people have gathered in the courtyard to witness the fireworks against the blue sky. The architectural structures of the palace are made up of the white color with arches, domes, and balconies. The artist has made a balanced composition through figures arranged on both sides of the courtyard. Their colorful costumes of red, yellow, green, and blue colors make the composition more alive and vibrant.
The picture can be seen to allude to the festival of Diwali, a Hindu celebration in which the use of lamps and fireworks was common practice. Thus the painting is an excellent representation of both artistry and a key element of Indian courtly culture in the eighteenth century. It is evident that through his expertise of space, architecture, colour, and expression, Nainsukh created a valuable piece of Pahari painting.
The painting presents a lively courtly celebration, where the carefully arranged figures transform the palace courtyard into a space of collective joy and spectacle. The symmetrical composition creates order, while the colourful costumes introduce movement and energy against the restrained architectural background. The figures appear absorbed in the celebration, suggesting that the event was not merely entertainment but also an important part of royal social life. The dark blue sky creates a striking contrast with the white palace, making the courtyard feel almost theatrical. Nainsukh’s delicate handling of figures, architecture, and colour reflects the refinement of Pahari miniature painting while revealing the influence of Mughal naturalism. The work therefore captures both celebration and the controlled elegance of eighteenth-century courtly culture
