A Hook Swinging Festival 1836

"A Hook Swinging Festival," an anonymous watercolor painting from 1836, depicts a lively scene of a traditional Indian festival. The painting captures the energy and excitement of the event with numerous figures engaging in various activities. A hook swinger dangles from a tall pole in the center of the scene, while others watch on or participate in other festivities. The artwork is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offering viewers a glimpse into the cultural practices of 19th-century India. This painting is a great example of Company Painting, which is a style of art that developed during the British East India Company rule, and it offers insights into the lives and customs of the people of India during that period.