Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Tulsi Kalan. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting is an illustration from the Akbarnama, a historical chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign.
About this work
The Mughal army attacked Bundi fort in 1577—this page illustrates that fight.
This shows a fierce battle scene in bright reds and golds. Horses rear up as soldiers clash with spears and shields. The artist painted tiny details like armor and flags fluttering in the wind.
It’s part of the Akbarnama, a book about Emperor Akbar’s rule. The Mughal army attacked Bundi fort in 1577—this page illustrates that fight. The painting mixes history with drama.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more from this book.
Overview
This painting is an illustration from the Akbarnama, a historical chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar's reign. It depicts a battle scene preceding the capture of Bundi fort in Rajasthan.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows the Mughal army's 1577 attack on Bundi fort, a historical event rendered with dramatic flair. The artist, Tulsi the Elder, captures the intensity of the battle, conveying the chaos and energy of the conflict.
Technique & Style
Executed in bright reds and golds, the painting features rearing horses and clashing soldiers wielding spears and shields. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the depiction of armor and flags.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Akbar in 1589, the Akbarnama was written by Abu'l Fazl between 1590 and 1596. This illustrated version, produced between 1592 and 1595, is considered one of the earliest. The manuscript was inherited by Akbar's successors and eventually acquired by the V&A in 1896.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mughal India’s small-scale portraits often paired sitters with patterned carpets or scattered flowers—this artist’s brush gave us the 1590s “Mirza Ibrahim Husain” standing beside a crimson cushion, the folds of his robe…
