The wolf and the jackal, serving as viziers, instigate the lion who pursues the Brahman up a tree, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Twenty-first Night

The narrative depicts a Brahman (a Hindu priest) trapped atop a tree, threatened by a lion whose advisors—here represented by wolves and jackals—press for violence. Earlier in the tale, gentler advisors, a deer and a gazelle, had counseled mercy; their reappearance in the image underscores the moral warning against following corrupt counsel.

Executed in the vivid palette typical of Mughal court painting, the work employs flat, decorative shapes that flatten space and emphasize the storybook quality of the scene. The bright colors and stylised figures create a didactic, almost allegorical atmosphere rather than a realistic portrayal.

The image originates from a manuscript of the Tuti‑nama, produced during the reign of Akbar (1556–1605) for his imperial workshop. The manuscript was intended for the emperor’s library, reflecting the Mughal interest in Persian literary traditions adapted to Indian contexts.

Mughal artists frequently illustrated moral tales to convey ethical lessons to court audiences. This particular episode uses animal characters as advisors to critique the influence of malicious counsel, a theme resonant with the political culture of Akbar’s court, which valued wise governance.