Bankers Receive News from a Dak Runner
c. 1850
Description
Seated on a flat, white and indigo carpet are three Hindu bankers (shraffs) from the village of Noori, located in the Chandauli District of Uttar Pradesh State in India, working on their ledgers. The bankers wear red-orange turbans, white robes, and red-beaded necklaces. The one on the left has a distinct, long beard, and his large stomach is exposed. Standing next to this figure is a mail (dak) runner, distinguished by his spear and the messages in his hand. Mail runners not only delivered important messages, but also news from neighboring villages. The painting highlights the social distinctions between the bankers and the mail runner, as the latter is dressed more humbly in a sooty top and a dhoti, a garment worn by male Hindus, consisting of a piece of fabric tied around the waist and extending to cover most of the legs. The runner also wears a red-orange turban with a white band tied around it.
Dimensions
19 x 24 cm (7 1/2 x 9 7/16 in.)
Provenance
Stuart Cary Welch (by 1983 - 2008,) by descent; to his estate (2008-2009,) gift; to Harvard Art Museum. Notes: Object was part of long-term loan to Museum in 1983.
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