Who painted Adham Khan and Akbar?

Adham Khan and Akbar was painted by Khem Karan in 1592.

Where can I see Adham Khan and Akbar?

Adham Khan and Akbar is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Adham Khan and Akbar?

Adham Khan and Akbar is associated with Mughal Painting.

Artwork

Adham Khan and Akbar

Khem Karan , 1592

Adham Khan and Akbar is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Khem Karan. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Khem Karan shows Adham Khan bowing before Akbar in a scene from the Akbarnama.

Khem Karan shows Adham Khan bowing before Akbar in a scene from the Akbarnama. Khan led an army but later tried to challenge Akbar’s power. He kneels at Sarangpur in 1561, defeated and humbled.

The Akbarnama was Akbar’s official story of his reign. Artists like Khem Karan painted it by hand. Bright colors and fine details bring the moment to life.

See this in person at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This painting by Khem Karan is an illustration from the Akbarnama, the official chronicle of the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. It depicts a scene of submission between two key figures: Adham Khan and Akbar.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows Adham Khan, a military leader, kneeling before Akbar at Sarangpur in 1561, following his failed attempt to challenge the emperor's authority. Adham Khan had been entrusted with a military campaign to conquer Malwa.

Technique & Style

The painting is characterized by its use of bright colors and fine details, bringing the historical moment to life. It is a product of the Mughal court's artistic expertise, with artists like Khem Karan contributing to the illustrated manuscript.

History & Provenance

The Akbarnama was written by Abu'l Fazl between 1590 and 1596, and this version is believed to be one of the earliest illustrated copies. The manuscript was passed down through the Mughal emperors, from Akbar to Jahangir and then Shah Jahan, before being acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1896.