Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)

The Bank of the Ganges at Naubasta, near Kara, Uttar Pradesh

Details
Thomas Daniell, R.A. (1749-1840) and William Daniell, R.A. (1769-1837)
The Bank of the Ganges at Naubasta, near Kara, Uttar Pradesh
inscribed 'Hindoo Temple at NOBUSTA (a little below CURRAH) on the banks of the Ganges.' (on a fragment of the artists' original mount) and further inscribed 'N.15. Hindoo Temple at Nobusta on the East.n side of the Ganges-' (on the reverse of the artists' original mount, cut)
pencil and watercolour within a black-lined border
13¾ x 21 3/8in. (34.9 x 54.3cm.)
Exhibited
Spink, 1974, no.28.
Engraved
T. Daniell, aquatint engraving, November 1796, for Oriental Scenery, vol.I, no.21.

Lot Essay

Passing Nobusta Ghat near Kara on the Ganges on 26 October 1789, William noted 'a small Hindoo building situated on a very high picturesque bank' (Journal). Later, the Daniells wrote: 'This temple, although built for the worship of Hindoo idols, is almost wholly in the Mahommedan style of design, as indeed are many other modern Hindoo temples' (Oriental Scenery). Though sometimes challenged, this analysis is probably correct: although at first sight this building looks like a small Muslim tomb, it is of a form which could be adopted for a Hindu shrine.

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