The Horse-Puzzle

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

This quite interesting and curious painting is an artistic representation of a puzzle composed of horses which are eight in number but comprise of only four heads and four necks. Alike instead of thirty two legs for eight horses the composition consists of only twenty four legs. The entire composition consists of two rings of swastika-like square format. The outer ring has four horses chasing each other. All the four horses are beautifully drawn and are complete in every sense. Other four horses plying in inner ring consist of only their hind parts - hips, tails, hind legs and backs. These tactfully painted hind parts unite with the front parts of the horses of outer ring and give the impression of eight instead of four horses, though with a difference. The horses of the outer ring are in leaps and bounces whereas those of the inner ring are drowsily buried to ground.

Nari-kunjara, animal-kunjara, animal-puzzle, acrobats and such other curious subjects were highly popular and chosen themes of miniatures during late medieval India. They weren't only the source of curious delight but also of sharpening intellect and were hence in great demand amongst all sections of society. This painting, a marvelously executed work, is reminiscent of the late medieval era of Indian art. The artist has used just a very few colors in creating his beautiful and tempting forms. It is interesting to note that the composition is the creation of pure imagination but figures of the horses are quite realistic. Most simply rendered horse-forms have a touch of elegance and softness both in their figures and ornamentation.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.