Construction of the fort at Agra illustration from Akbarnama (Book of Akbar) ca. 1590-95 (made)
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Watercolor |
| Current Location: | V&A South Kensington |
| Location History: | It was originally created in the Mughal imperial atelier around 1590–1595 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar as part of the illustrated manuscript of the Akbarnama (Book of Akbar). After Akbar’s death in 1605, the manuscript remained in the imperial Mughal library under his son Jahangir and was later inherited by Shah Jahan. During the colonial period, Major General John Clarke acquired the manuscript in India while serving as Commissioner of Oudh between 1858 and 1862. After Clarke’s death, the manuscript passed to his widow, Frances Clarke, of The Dingle, Sydenham Hill, London. The Victoria and Albert Museum purchased the manuscript from Frances Clarke in 1896, where it remains today in the South & South East Asia Collection and is currently displayed at V&A South Kensington. |
This is a remarkable Mughal miniature created for the illustrated Akbarnama during the reign of Akbar. The painting captures the massive construction activity of Agra Fort with great energy and detail. Workers, animals, and supervisors are shown actively engaged in building the fort, creating a lively and realistic atmosphere. Miskina carefully organizes the crowded composition to highlight movement and teamwork while also emphasizing Akbar’s vision and authority. The fusion of Persian artistic influence with Indian elements gives the painting its distinctive Mughal character, making it an important example of early Mughal art and storytelling. Overall, the painting beautifully reflects both Mughal grandeur and Miskina’s artistic mastery.