The Dog Wallah

Label text from exhibition “Company to Crown: Perceptions and Reactions in British India,” April 8–October 15, 2011, curated by Maliha Noorani, 2009–11 Norma Jean Calderwood Curatorial Fellow, Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art, Harvard Art Museums: Doruah (Dog Keeper) Calcutta, India, c. 1825 Opaque watercolor on paper Arthur M. Sackler Museum, The Stuart Cary Welch Collection, Gift of Edith I. Welch in memory of Stuart Cary Welch, 2009.202.258 In Hindi, doruah, the caption inscribed beneath this painting, means “dog keeper”—literally, one who holds a leash (dor). Dressed in elegant livery—a tightly bound dhoti and coat—the dog keeper comfortably holds the leashes of three dogs of European origin. Created in sets, such typologies of occupations offered insight into Indian society and were popular gifts to send home to friends and family in England. In increasing numbers, Company officers engaged local artists to make paintings of their servants and of stock characters outside British cantonments, or military stations. Indian artists adapted to European tastes in style as well as subject. The pale, translucent washes appear at first glance to mimic British watercolor technique. However, they are built up with small, visible strokes, a feature of traditional Indian miniature painting.