Artwork
Khwajah Mu'azzam
Khwajah Mu'azzam is a paint painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This painting illustrates a pivotal event from the Akbarnama, the official chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign.
About this work
Overview
This painting illustrates a pivotal event from the Akbarnama, the official chronicle of Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign. It depicts the punishment of Khwajah Mu’azzam, Akbar’s maternal uncle, for murdering his wife, as he is thrown into the River Jamuna.
Subject & Meaning
The scene conveys the severity of Akbar’s justice. Despite the brutal punishment, Khwajah Mu’azzam survived, only to later die in imprisonment. The illustration highlights the emperor’s authority and the consequences of transgression within the royal family.
Technique & Style
The artist emphasized the turmoil of the River Jamuna with expressive, violent waves, foam, and swirls enveloping the victim. The dynamic depiction of water and the intense action reflects the skill of the royal artists engaged in illustrating the Akbarnama.
History & Provenance
Created between 1592 and 1595, this is part of the earliest illustrated version of the Akbarnama, commissioned by Akbar. The manuscript remained in the imperial family until purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1896 from Frances Clarke.
Context
The painting is one side of a folio from a royal copy of the Akbarnama, intended for Akbar himself. Its creation involved top royal artists, some identified in Abu’l Fazl’s A’in-i Akbari, underscoring its significance as a historical and artistic artifact.
Artist & collection
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