Artwork
Rai Surjan Hada making Submission to Akbar
Rai Surjan Hada making Submission to Akbar 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.
About this work
Overview
This 16th-century Mughal painting illustrates a pivotal moment in Akbar's reign: the submission of Rai Surjan Hada, ruler of Ranthambhor, in 1569. The scene is part of the Akbarnama, the official chronicle of Akbar's life, commissioned by the emperor himself.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Akbar seated on a throne under a canopy, with Rai Surjan Hada bowing in submission. This representation signifies the expansion of the Mughal Empire and Akbar's consolidation of power through strategic conquests.
Technique & Style
Designed by Mukund and executed by Shankar, this illustration showcases the collaborative expertise of royal Mughal artists. Characteristic attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the throne, canopy, and figures.
History & Provenance
Illustrated between 1592 and 1595 for Akbar's personal copy, the manuscript later belonged to his son Jahangir and grandson Shah Jahan. It was acquired by the V&A in 1896 from Frances Clarke, whose husband had purchased it in India during his tenure as Commissioner of Oudh.
Context
As part of the Akbarnama, this painting is one of the earliest illustrated versions of Abu’l Fazl's Persian text (1590–1596), reflecting the imperial patronage of art and literature during Akbar's rule.
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…
