Page from Tales of a Parrot (Tuti-nama): text page

The calligraphy is executed in a flowing black ink, with each letter showing subtle hand‑made variations, suggesting a skilled scribe rather than a printed press. The text lines are arranged in tight, orderly rows that intertwine like vines, maximizing the use of space. A thin blue border, applied with pigment, delineates the written area.

Created during the Mughal period, the folio reflects the courtly patronage of Prince Salim, who later became Emperor Jahangir. The manuscript likely originated in a royal workshop in early 17th‑century India before entering modern collections, where it is now held by a major museum.

*Tuti‑nama* exemplifies the Mughal tradition of integrating Persian literary culture with Indian artistic practices. Such manuscripts combined elaborate calligraphy, miniature painting, and decorative borders, serving both educational and entertainment purposes for elite audiences.

The folio illustrates the high value placed on personalized literary objects in Mughal courts and contributes to our understanding of manuscript production, patronage, and the transmission of Persian narratives in South Asia.