Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India

Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market

Not on view

This multilayered tableau of a battle is the most spectacular, complex, and complete surviving example of a rare chintz history painting. The hanging may celebrate the successful 1760–61 English siege of Pondicherry, on the southeast coast of India, headquarters of the French East India Company. The English forces (under a stylized Union Jack) are shown fighting alongside allied local soldiers. Indian regiments appear to be distinguished by dress—Muslims with long gowns and bushy beards, the Hindus in skirt cloths—indicative of the complex web of regional alliances forged by the European trading companies. Two ships (upper register, center) flying a simplified version of the triple fleur-de-lis and crown, the insignia of the French East India Company flag from 1756, represent the defeated French.

Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market

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Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market
Hanging depicting a European conflict in South India, Cotton, plain weave (drawn and painted, mordant and resist dyed), Indian, Coromandel Coast, for British market

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