DOHA: An exhibition on prominent 18th Century South Indian Muslim ruler Tipu Sultan opened yesterday at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Special Exhibitions Gallery.
“This exhibition aims to tell the story of Tipu Sultan, a famous South Indian ruler, statesman, patron of the arts, poet, diplomat, a key figure in the late 18th century India,” William Greenwood, MIA Curator for Central Islamic Lands explained during a press tour yesterday.
Tipu Sultan’s formidable reputation and strong self-image makes him an extraordinary subject in an exhibition where art, objects and narrative combine to examine the past.
Titled “The Tiger’s Dream: Tipu Sultan,” the expo features 35 pieces comprising paintings and objects produced during his rule from 1782 to 1799 in the Sultanate of Mysore in Southern India. This unique group of paintings and historical objects were drawn entirely from MIA’s collection.
The centrepiece of this exhibition is a cycle of paintings depicting the Battle of Pollilur in 1780. Showing Tipu Sultan’s victory over the British army, the paintings appear to be a preparatory works for a palatial mural. In their original state, they formed one continuous roll of rice paper, approximately two metres high and nine metres wide. It has since been cut into 24 separate pieces. The actual wall painting in the Darya Daulat Bagh, the Sultan’s palace, survives to this day.
Another highlight of the expo is a cannon; which, like most objects on display, is laden with tigers and inscriptions.
“Tipu’s symbol is the tiger. He was the ‘Tiger of Mysore’ and the objects have tiger motif. It’s his way of expressing himself, his own personal propaganda to symbolise his rule, his strength,” explained Greenwood.
Other objects on show are a dagger and scabbard, pistol barrel, guard’s sword, axle bosses and cannonballs, shahnameh manuscript and palanquin handle.
“Tipu Sultan was not only a warrior and ruler, but a man who, through his accomplishments, became a legend during his lifetime. The pieces on display in this exhibition are beautiful and can be used to understand how Tipu Sultan continues to be relevant even two centuries after his death,” said Greenwood.
“One of the major themes of The Tiger’s Dream is how east and west interacted at a key point in history, where the interconnected world we see today was coming into existence,” says MIA Head of Exhibitions, Shaika Nasser Al Nassr.
“Although the figure of Tipu Sultan will be of particular interest to Qatar’s large South Asian population, we hope that a wide audience will visit MIA to learn about his truly remarkable story,” she added.
On view until January 24, 2015, the exhibition will also coincide with a number of activities, including art workshops and special tours. There will also be a series of lectures featuring exhibition curator William Greenwood and locally-based scholars.
The Peninsula
