Artwork
Akbar hunting at Palam, near Delhi
Akbar hunting at Palam, near Delhi is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Mukund. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This double-page painting depicts a royal hunt led by Akbar near Delhi, showcasing the Mughal emperor's power and majesty.
About this work
Overview
This double-page painting depicts a royal hunt led by Akbar near Delhi, showcasing the Mughal emperor's power and majesty.
Subject & Meaning
The scene commemorates Akbar's victory over the Rajput fortress of Chitor in 1568 and highlights the strategic role of hunting in Mughal culture, serving as a test of loyalty, a display of military might, and a means of administrative surveillance.
Technique & Style
The painting is characterized by its vivid and dynamic depiction of the hunt, with numerous figures, horses, and dogs in motion, rendered in intricate detail to convey the chaos and energy of the chase.
History & Provenance
The painting illustrates an event that took place during Akbar's campaign against the fort of Ranthambhor, when he paused at Delhi and engaged in a 'qamargah' hunt at Palam, as briefly mentioned in Abu'l Fazl's Akbarnama.
Context
The hunt was a significant aspect of Mughal imperial culture, allowing Akbar to assess his men's abilities, inspect his domains, and demonstrate his military presence without resorting to conflict.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mukund painted lively scenes from the emperor Akbar’s court in the late 1500s. His brush brought to life Akbar being weighed on his birthday and Akbar hunting with cheetahs, both from the Akbarnama, a grand history book…
