A Picture of Health

Mysore, Southern India, in 1805 – Princess Devajammani arrives at the royal court to marry Krishnaraja Wadiyar III. They are both 12 years old and he is the newly anointed ruler of this Indian kingdom. But Devajammani soon finds herself recruited for a more momentous cause – to publicise and promote the smallpox vaccine. Her unwitting role is captured in a painting commissioned by the East India Company. Their aim – to encourage participation in the vaccination programme.