Artwork
Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings)

Rustam Takes Aim at Ashkabus, from a Shah-nama (Book of Kings) is an unspecified painting by the Patna School of Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1438 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a scene from the Shah-nama, or Book of Kings, and is part of the oldest surviving illustrated Islamic manuscript produced in India.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Rustam, Iran's mythic hero, aiming his bow at Ashkabus, an enemy general on horseback, illustrating a pivotal moment from Persian literature.
Technique & Style
The artist, working under a Sultanate patron, merged local Indian styles with Persian artistic traditions, creating a unique visual representation of a Persian narrative.
History & Provenance
Produced for an Indian Sultanate patron who admired Persian culture, this manuscript reflects the cultural exchange between Iran and India during this period.
Context
The painting demonstrates the appeal of Persian stories in Indian courts and the blending of cultural influences in Indian art during the Sultanate period.
Artist & collection
















