Artwork
Adham Khan
Adham Khan is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Miskina. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts Adham Khan being thrown from the palace walls at Agra, a punishment for his role in the murder of Akbar's prime minister. The scene is a page from the Akbarnama, a chronicle of Akbar's reign commissioned by the emperor himself.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows multiple moments in a single scene: Adham Khan in mid-air, Akbar emerging from his quarters with a drawn sword, and the murdered prime minister below. The artwork illustrates a rare violent episode from Mughal history, highlighting the consequences of Adham Khan's actions.
Technique & Style
The painting is characterized by its concurrent depiction of different episodes, showcasing the artistic skill of Miskin and Shankar, two prominent Mughal court artists. The composition effectively conveys the chaos and drama of the event.
History & Provenance
The Akbarnama, of which this painting is a part, was written by Abu'l Fazl between 1590 and 1596. The V&A's copy is believed to have been illustrated between 1592 and 1595, making it one of the earliest illustrated versions of the text. The manuscript remained in the royal library after Akbar's death.
Artist & collection
Artist
Miskin (c. 1560 - c. 1604), also known as Miskina, was a Mughal painter in the court of Akbar I. The name 'Miskin' itself is a pen name. Miskin is recorded by the historian and grand vizier of Akbar, Abu'l-Fazl, in a…
