Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir with Sons and Courtiers

Ranbir Singh (1830–1885), a ruler of the military Dogra dynasty, sits enthroned, surrounded by members of his court. He was the son of Gulab Singh (reigned 1846–1856), depicted in the portrait at the left. The courtiers in the front row—including his son—sit in European-style chairs, and one of his soldiers wears a British-style uniform and helmet. The picture’s oval format was popular among the British. These visual elements communicate Dogra’s allegiance to British colonial rule. Ranbir Singh supported the British during the Uprising of 1857, after which India became part of the British Empire.