Night Polo
"...His majesty also plays chaugan on dark nights, which caused much
astonishment..." more
..
These paintings are 18"x24"
Oils on Canvas and although themselves, complete paintings,
they are studies for very large paintings and murals.
Click on picture to enlarge
 Night Polo 1 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 2 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 3 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 4 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 5 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 6 24"x18" Oil on Canvas |
 Night Polo 7 18"x24" Oil on Canvas |
His Majesty is unrivalled for the skill which he shows in the various ways of hitting the ball: he often manages to strike the ball when in the air and astonishes all. When the ball is driven to a gaol they beat a kettledrum, so that all who are far and near may hear it. In order to increase the excitement betting is allowed. The players win from each other, and he who brought the ball to the gaol wins most. If a ball be caught in the air, and passes or is made to pass beyond the goal, the game is looked upon as drawn. At such times the players will engage in a regular fight about the ball, and perform admirable feats fo skill.
His majesty also plays chaugan on dark nights, which caused much astonishment, even among clever players. The balls which are used at night are set on fire. For this purpose palas wood (Butea frondosa) is used, which is very light and burns for a long time. For the sake of adding splendour to the games, which is necessary in worldly matters, his Majesty has knobs of gold and silver fixed to the top of chaugan sticks. If one of them breaks, any player that gets hold of the pieces may keep them....
