Artwork

The vizier dissuades the king of Bahilistan from executing the dervish who asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh Night

The vizier dissuades the king of Bahilistan from executing the dervish who asks for his daughter’s hand in marriage, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Seventh 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 to a Mughal emperor.

About this work

The artist packed the moment with tiny details—embroidered slippers, a jeweled dagger, even the parrot perched above.

A king in a red robe points his sword at a ragged man in a fur cap. Behind them, a vizier in green whispers in the king’s ear. Servants and guards stand frozen, watching.

This scene comes from a *Tuti-nama*, a book of parrot tales told to a Mughal emperor. The story warns kings not to act in anger. The artist packed the moment with tiny details—embroidered slippers, a jeweled dagger, even the parrot perched above.

To see more stories like this, look up Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605).

Overview

This painting illustrates a scene from the Tuti-nama, a collection of tales told by a parrot to a Mughal emperor. It depicts a dramatic moment where a king is dissuaded from executing a dervish who has asked for his daughter's hand in marriage.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows a king, enraged and sword drawn, confronting a dervish. A vizier intervenes, cautioning the king against harming the mendicant. The story conveys a moral warning to kings against acting impulsively.

Technique & Style

The artist has densely populated the scene with detailed elements, including ornate clothing and accessories, such as embroidered slippers and a jeweled dagger. The composition is characterized by its rich textures and intricate depiction of characters.

Context

The Tuti-nama was created for a Mughal emperor, and this painting is an example of the artistic production during the reign of Akbar (1556–1605). The work reflects the cultural and artistic values of the Mughal court during this period.