A Group of Goraknathi yogis

Daswant was one of the best painters of Emperor Akbar's court and his talent was personally recognized by Akbar. He lived from about 1560 to 1584. He was a Hindu and his father was a palki bearer. He wounded himself with a dagger in 1584 which ended his life. Abu'l Fazl in his book Ain-i-Akbari writes that Daswant was one of the best artist of the Mughal court. He worked for many big Mughal books. This painting is a folio from a Mughal album. In this album there is calligraphy by Muhammad Husayn on top and bottom, and the main drawing in the centre is made by Daswant. It is a fine line drawing with black ink on paper. On the top and bottom of the folio there are two lines of Persian calligraphy. In the middle we see a group of six to seven yogis. They are Gorakhnathi yogis, who are followers of Guru Gorakhnath. Two old yogis with long beards are sitting on the ground and talking to each other. One yogi is sitting with a bow in his hand. Another yogi is standing and blowing a horn called singi. In the front, two young yogis are cooking food. One more yogi is coming with a pot. In the background we can see hills, big rocks, some trees and a small hut. It looks like the yogis are living in a forest, away from the city and village life. Their clothes are very simple. Some are half naked. This is the real dress of ascetics. Mughal Emperor Akbar was very interested in the religions of India. Akbar started the policy of Sulh-i-kul which means peace with all. So he told his painters to paint not only kings and hunting scenes, but also common people, holy men and ascetics of India. It shows the simple life of Yogis who have no palace, no gold, no big house. Still they look calm and happy. It suggets that peace does not come from wealth. It shows respect for all religions. Mughal court was Muslim but they gave respect to Hindu Nath yogis also. This shows the liberal thinking of Akbar's time. It tells us how Nath yogis lived in the 16th century. They lived in groups, they cooked together, they used horns and they lived close to nature. They were identifiable by their thick hoop earrings and the small horns hung on sacred threads around their necks. There is a contrast in the painting. On one side is the royal Mughal life full of luxury, and on the other side is the yogi life full of simplicity and nature. The artist wants to show both sides of India. It also proves that Daswant was a master who could show Indian life so simply and so truly.