Artwork

Seven men disputing possession of a woman bring her before the Tree of Justice into which she is absorbed, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Sixth Night

Seven men disputing possession of a woman bring her before the Tree of Justice into which she is absorbed, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Sixth Night is an unspecified painting by the Mughal Painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1560 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a parrot, created in Mughal India.

About this work

You see seven men arguing over a woman, dragging her toward a tree that’s starting to swallow her.

You see seven men arguing over a woman, dragging her toward a tree that’s starting to swallow her. A carpenter in red and a holy man in green watch from the edges.

This painting comes from a book of parrot tales told in Mughal India. The tree isn’t just scenery—it’s the judge. When the woman vanishes into its trunk, the tree speaks, ending the fight. The story was meant to teach lessons about justice and fate.

Look up *Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)* to see more of these illustrated tales.

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a parrot, created in Mughal India. It depicts a woman being absorbed into the Tree of Justice, resolving a dispute among seven men.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows seven men arguing over a woman brought to life by a holy man from a wooden statue carved by a carpenter. The Tree of Justice intervenes, absorbing the woman and proclaiming that everything reverts to its origin, thus settling the dispute.

Technique & Style

The painting features vivid characters, including the carpenter in red and the holy man in green, set against a central action scene where the woman is being swallowed by the tree.

Context

The Tuti-nama was produced during the reign of Akbar (1556–1605) in Mughal India, a period known for its richly illustrated manuscripts that conveyed moral lessons and stories.