A Noble Offering Prayers

$55
Item Code: MC39
Specifications:
Water Color painting on Old Urdu Paper
Dimensions 3.6" X 7.8"
Handmade
Handmade
Free delivery
Free delivery
Fully insured
Fully insured
100% Made in India
100% Made in India
Fair trade
Fair trade
This is more than a mere portrait. It is a representation of medieval India's religious and communal harmony. After the Renaissance elements of Europe and Persia had entered the Indian life, Mughal influence, with its court life, costumes, its sophistication and also elements of Sufism had penetrated deep into the indigenous life. Hindu scriptures were seen coming out in Arabic, Hindu saints wearing a Sufi's jama, head dress and beads, or a Rajput styling himself as a Mughal or Pathan were not uncommon sights. This amalgamation of two diverse traditions was by far the result of Akbar's liberal religious policy. The artist here gives a further dimension to this vision of Akbar.

The head-dress, and the Arabic book lying before him seem to link him to Sufism, but the shell in his hands, the manner in which his hands are raised in prayer, the tilaka on his forehead and his angarakhs, a typical and traditional costume of India, define him with all certainty to be a Hindu. The gold goblet and the flask beside him, along with his rich attire, affirm his high position and rank.

Descriptions by Dr. Daljeet.
Dr. Daljeet is Curator of the Gallery of Miniature Paintings, National Museum of India, New Delhi.

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