Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Kesav. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This panel forms the right side of a two‑page illustration depicting the surrender of the rebel brothers Ali Quli Khan and Bahadur Khan to Emperor Akbar in 1561. The scene captures the moment they present captured elephants, jewels and weapons to the seated ruler, while the missing left page would have shown the preceding battle.
Subject & Meaning
The composition records a diplomatic submission following a conflict with Afghan forces, emphasizing Akbar’s authority and the restoration of order. By portraying the rebels in a kneeling posture, the image underscores the hierarchy and the transfer of spoils as symbols of the emperor’s triumph.
Technique & Style
Designed by the court artist Kesav and painted by Chatr, the work employs bright pigments and precise line work characteristic of late‑16th‑century Mughal manuscript illustration. Red Persian inscriptions at the bottom identify the contributors, while the careful rendering of elephants and armor conveys a realistic, narrative quality.
History & Provenance
The illustration belongs to an early, partially preserved copy of the Akbarnama, the official chronicle commissioned by Akbar and authored by Abu’l‑Fazl between 1590 and 1596. Produced circa 1592‑94 by at least forty‑nine artists from the imperial Ketabkhana, the manuscript passed to the libraries of Akbar’s successors Jahangir and Shah Jahan before being acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1896 from the widow of Major General John Clarke, former Commissioner of Oudh.
Context
The Akbarnama served as a visual and textual record of Akbar’s reign, integrating historical narrative with courtly art. This panel reflects the Mughal practice of documenting political events through elaborate miniature paintings, a tradition highlighted in the A’in‑i‑Akbari, the third volume of the chronicle where many contributing artists are named.
Artist & collection
Artist
These small, jewel-toned paintings show Mughal nobles and a warrior queen frozen in rich detail: Mu'nim Khan rests beside Khan Zaman in one, while Rani Durgavati stands firm in another.
