4 thoughts on “Some thoughts on ‘how to spot reproductions’?”
I am intrigued by the use of the term “darbar” to describe this item, as I believe this word is of Persian origin, in which case it’s use in the Indian Subcontinent could not have been earlier than the Medieval period. So it is curious to find it associated with Hindu religious objects.
I am intrigued by the use of the term “darbar” to describe this item, as I believe this word is of Persian origin, in which case it’s use in the Indian Subcontinent could not have been earlier than the Medieval period. So it is curious to find it associated with Hindu religious objects.
The iconography of the bronze dates to the Vijayanagar Empire (14th to 16th century CE). By then Moghul influence is widespread thought India. In the Vijayanagar ruins, Hampi, the King’s audience hall is known as Durbar Hall.
Thanks for your reply. I don’t mean to be argumentative but it seems to me that there must also be an ‘indigenous’ term for such a group of religious figures, a term that pre-dates the establishment of Muslim influences in India. I can even understand that such a term could have been lost.
The use of the term ‘darbar’ in Vijayanagar for secular purposes would not be surprising given the well-known dominance of the Muslim power base in India at that time which is another matter altogether. I believe it is very much recognised that the Court etiquette and procedure in Vijayanagar were influenced by ways borrowed from the North. After all, the success (i.e. survival) of Vijayanagar was largely due to its successful adoption of military culture and other ways from the North.
Anyway, thanks again for your response. I do really appreciate your work and your collection.
Bronzes of India - A personal collection 
I am intrigued by the use of the term “darbar” to describe this item, as I believe this word is of Persian origin, in which case it’s use in the Indian Subcontinent could not have been earlier than the Medieval period. So it is curious to find it associated with Hindu religious objects.
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I am intrigued by the use of the term “darbar” to describe this item, as I believe this word is of Persian origin, in which case it’s use in the Indian Subcontinent could not have been earlier than the Medieval period. So it is curious to find it associated with Hindu religious objects.
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The iconography of the bronze dates to the Vijayanagar Empire (14th to 16th century CE). By then Moghul influence is widespread thought India. In the Vijayanagar ruins, Hampi, the King’s audience hall is known as Durbar Hall.
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Thanks for your reply. I don’t mean to be argumentative but it seems to me that there must also be an ‘indigenous’ term for such a group of religious figures, a term that pre-dates the establishment of Muslim influences in India. I can even understand that such a term could have been lost.
The use of the term ‘darbar’ in Vijayanagar for secular purposes would not be surprising given the well-known dominance of the Muslim power base in India at that time which is another matter altogether. I believe it is very much recognised that the Court etiquette and procedure in Vijayanagar were influenced by ways borrowed from the North. After all, the success (i.e. survival) of Vijayanagar was largely due to its successful adoption of military culture and other ways from the North.
Anyway, thanks again for your response. I do really appreciate your work and your collection.
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