This piece is an oil-on-canvas portrait entitled Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The painting is attributed to Abalal Rahiman and dates from around 1910. It has measurements of 24 x 18 inches. The portrait is in portrait orientation, this being common in formal portraits. The piece is part of a collection by Anil Relia and can be seen online in a collection called ‘The Indian Portrait’. As it is only attributed we can only assume that this painting is likely to have been painted by him.
The painting depicts Shahu Maharaj (1874-1922), who was the king of Kolhapur from 1894 until his death. He was well known for his social reforms and founding a spinning and weaving mill in 1906. He held the rank of colonel within the British army. Rahiman was educated at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Bombay and graduated in 1888. He became the court painter for Shahu Maharaj and remained in his patronage until his death. As Rahiman painted portraits of the royal family as well as landscape paintings it is natural that he would be commissioned to paint a portrait of Shahu Maharaj (DAG).
This relationship had an impact on Rahiman. Sources state that he remained loyal to Shahu, and after 1922 he had a decrease in income and lived in poverty.
The portrait of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj presents him as a figure of authority, dignity, and quiet strength. His steady gaze, prominent moustache, and elaborate turban communicate a powerful presence, while the earthy tones of his clothing create a sense of restraint rather than royal extravagance. The frontal composition draws attention to his face and personality, allowing his expression to become the focal point of the painting. Beyond representing a ruler, the portrait invites us to consider the individual behind the position someone whose legacy extended beyond kingship into social reform and the pursuit of equality. Attributed to Abalal Rahiman, the work also reflects the relationship between artistic practice and royal patronage. It preserves not merely the likeness of a historical figure, but the memory of a ruler whose influence shaped society.
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By: Nandini soni
Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s portrait captures a man who seems to carry the weight of his people in his silence. His deep-set eyes, firm moustache, and composed expression suggest a personality shaped by authority, experience, and responsibility. The red turban stands out against the dark background, symbolising dignity and cultural identity, while his understated attire gives him an air of approachability rather than royal extravagance. The artist’s use of warm, earthy colours lends the figure a sense of solidity and permanence. Beyond depicting a ruler, the painting invites us to imagine a leader whose true legacy lies not in appearance, but in his people’s lives.
