Air-India/Rome
Artist
Desai
Date1971
MediumPhoto-offset Lithograph
Dimensions39 1/4 x 24 3/4 in. (99.7 x 62.9 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.6849
DescriptionThis playful poster shows the Maharaja playing a pungi, an Indian wind instrument traditionally used by snake charmers in street performances. Evidently, the Maharaja could not find any serpents to enchant in Rome, so he made do with the closest thing he could find—spaghetti. With his sweet melodies, he humorously charms his dinner into forming the word “Rome” in letters above his head. In such posters, Air-India hoped to present an exoticised version of India—a land of rajas (princes), snake charmers, and fakirs (Hindu ascetics). While this tactic was good for business, it was often criticized for encouraging false and outmoded ideas about the country.On View
Not on view
