Akbar

This folio from Akbarnama depicts Emperor Akbar’s military campaign in 1567. Artist Nand Gwaliyari likely completed this folio around 1592-95. The Emperor and his troops are depicted crossing the River Ganges in pursuit of the rebellious Ali Quli Khan and Bahadur Khan. Rather interestingly, the painting is located near the outer margin of the folio, in close proximity to a large paragraph of Persian text. Writing and illustrations are meant to exist side by side. This depiction is illustrative of the chaos that was likely part of crossing a river with an army. This was a large, well organized army. The soldiers, on horseback, as well as those on foot, are accompanied by servants and men leading camels. Some of the army’s tents and buildings, likely relics of a previous encampment, can be seen in the distance. The small gestures and bright colors used by Nand Gwaliari to capture this event helped transform a large historical event into a small moment from Mughal army life. This painting is from the Akbarnama. This account of Akbar's reign was commissioned by the emperor himself as a record of his reign, written by his historiographer, Abu'l Fazl. This is likely an early copy, as it has a number of Mughal paintings. It is unique because of the usage of opaque watercolor and gold on paper. The painting is a great example of the artist's mastery of narrative painting where details, historical documentation and artistic expression are brought together.