These illustrations are particularly early examples of South Indian painting from the region of Tanjore (now Thanjavur). The minimalist shadow details and lack of general landscaping are an indication of an earlier style of Company School painting, likely part of a larger group assembled for a British Indian commissioner and painted for them by a local Indian artist.

Two sheets, watercolours on watermarked paper "J. Whatman 1823" and "J. Whatman 1825", depicting the costumes and trades of South India, each 310 x 230 mm; some very light surface soiling overall very bright and attractive examples.