Image source: collections.vam.ac.uk
Akbar
Artist:Nand Gwaliyari
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | Víctoria & Albert Museum, South Kensington; South & South East Asia Collection, Accession number IS.2:59-1896 |
| Location History: | Commissioned by Emperor Akbar, the Akbarnama remained in the imperial libraries of his successors, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, before eventually passing into private hands. In 1896, the manuscript was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum from Mrs. Frances Clarke, widow of Major General John Clarke, who served as Commissioner of Oudh between 1858 and 1862, where it has since been preserved. |
This work is a part of the Akbarnama, the manuscript documenting the life of the illustrious emperor Akbar. It shows the camp of Akbar, as they are in pursuit of the Uzbek rebels Ali Quli Khan and Bahadur Khan. We see the camp making a chaotic move towards the rebels. Horses, Camels, and men try to cross a river towards the other side. We see the men fiddling with the important luggage, which likely includes weapons and food, though we also see some of Akbar’s luxuries, all being haphazardly taken across the river crossing, showing the nature of battle, and the movement of troops, the often forgotten but most important aspect of wars.
Information Compiled by
Mahima Rajput