The siege of Arbela in the era of Hulagu Khan, from a Chingiz-nama (Book of Chingiz Khan) of the Jami al-tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles) of Rashid al-Din (Persian, 1247–1318)

Basawan employs a vivid palette of reds, blues, and greens that contrast with the earthy tones of the battlefield, enhancing the scene’s dynamism. The painter builds up thick layers of pigment in key areas, using impasto to give texture to armor, horsehair, and the tiger’s fur. Fine brushwork renders individual costumes and weapons, allowing each figure to retain a distinct identity within the crowded tableau.

The canvas originated as an illustration for a Persian compendium of chronicles, the Jami al‑tavarikh, which recorded the deeds of Genghis Khan and his successors. After remaining in private collections for several centuries, the painting entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings in the early twentieth century, where it has been conserved and displayed as part of the museum’s Asian art holdings.

The work reflects the Mughal court’s fascination with earlier Mongol conquests, linking the empire’s own lineage to the legendary exploits of Genghis Khan. Produced during the reign of Emperor Akbar, the painting aligns with a broader program of historical illustration that reinforced imperial legitimacy through visual storytelling.