Recto: Prince Khurram and companions visit a Hindu sage; verso: Example of calligraphy (qit‘a)
Unknown (Indian)
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum
[Museum inv. no.: 1937.19]
Item location
Description
This scene from an album folio includes a figure, seated beside Prince Khurram and holding a tanbur (stringed instrument).Full description from museum website:
The recto side of this folio features a painting depicting Prince Khurram, the future Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (r. 1627-1658). He sits on his knees with his hands clasped in front of him and faces a Hindu saint (sadhu). The holy man’s long hair and beard, as well as his legs bound in a yogic pose, suggests that he is a member of the ascetic Nath order. Naths believe that through yoga and its meditational exercises, they can achieve moksha (liberation) of the soul or even immortality. The Naths theological openness allowed association with non-Hindus, such as the Muslim Mughals. A stream divides the foreground, with two of Prince Khurram’s attendants on either side. In the background is a church steeple. The painting is surrounded by an illuminated border decorated a variety of animals in gold.
On the verso side are three sections of text. They collectively represent a qit‘a (fragment). The poetic verses are written in Persian text, nasta’liq script, and black ink. The text is contained within “clouds” that are set against gold ground decorated with small, colorful flowers. The verso side bears a border of blue paper with gold painted flowers.
People as subjects
Shahjahan, Emperor of India (ca. 1592-1666) (Non-musician/dancer)Iconclass
44B151211crown prince
49B151211
teacher and pupil
48CC751
one person with musical instrument, not playing - CC - out of doors
Instruments [MIMO Code] (notes)
Tambura [3461]RIdIM images
