Akbar and Tansen Visit Haridas

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This painting depicts Swami Haridas as the main protagonist Clad in bare clothings, he holds the lute, singing in praise of God. Haridas was devoted to music and his songs had a divine air about them. Having heard his praises, Akbar who himself was dedicated to music, accompanied Tansen to visit the saint. Akbar is dressed as a common man; appearing humble in form and gesture; hands held together in reverence and barefoot. Even if Akbar was unidentifiable owing to his common man look, the artist inscribes the name next to him as with other figures. Tansen sits in obeisance – one great musician paying respect to the other. His clothes give away his royal connection but his gesture and expression are full of humbleness.

The background shows dense vegetation comprising of all kinds of trees and bushes. Humming birds, peacocks, parrots and monkeys dot the greenery. Dark clouds accumulate in the sky though the area around Swami Haridasa is illuminated, according reverence to the saint. A lone peacock struts in the foreground.