f. 27
recto:

An equestrian portrait of Emperor Bahadur Shah, c.1707-12.

Emperor Bahadur Shah (r. 1707-1712), the third son of Alamgir, riding a grey stallion. The painting is full of allegorical symbols asserting the legitimacy of the emperor's rule: His head is surrounded by a green aureole, the upper half of which is bordered by a golden hue from the sun, the lower by a crescent moon, indicating his overlordship of the world both by day and by night. Tucked into his gold patka is a dagger with a jewel-encrusted jade handle and attached to his saddle is a quiver with a bow. One hand grasps the horses reigns while the other holds a key, a symbol of unlocking the secrets of the two worlds, hidden and manifest. Behind him on foot are attendants holding the aftabi (sunshade) and a morchal (fly-whisk) . Above him a pair angels in the sky carry a chatr (parasol), while another pair on the right hold the Mughal throne. To the right is the Sufi saint Khwajah Khizr standing on a fish offering the sword of state to the emperor. Beside him in the sea are faint depictions of four boats on the water.

All of the objects depicted are the traditional Mughal imperial symbols which suggests this might have been painted in commemoration of Bahadur Shah's coronation.


verso:

Calligraphy by Sultan Ali, c. 1516.

Verse written by the calligrapher Sultan Ali Mashhadi in Herat about his proficient skill at the age of 63.


For further information on this album see RCIN 1005068.