Kamal Khan Defeats the Army of Gakhars and Captures Sultan Adam and His Son Lashkari
| Support Type: | Paper |
| Paint Type: | Ink |
| Current Location: | Private Colection |
| Location History: | John D. Rockefeller, Jr. (1874-1960) and Abigail Greene Aldrich Rockefeller (1874-1948). Professor William Kelly Simpson (1928-2017) and Marilyn Ellen Milton Simpson (1931-1980). Christie's London, 26 October 2017, lot 183. |
The painting presents a dramatic battle scene from the Mughal period, showing Kamal Khan confronting the forces of Sultan Adam and his cousin Lashkari. What immediately stands out is the crowded arrangement of warriors and horses, which creates a strong sense of movement and chaos. The bright colours, detailed costumes and patterned armour make each figure visually distinct, while the surrounding landscape provides a calmer background to the violence of the battle. Despite the large number of figures, the composition remains organised through the placement of the armies across different sections of the scene. The painting also reflects the Mughal interest in recording historical events through visually elaborate manuscripts. Beyond simply illustrating a battle, it communicates ideas of power, loyalty and conflict, making the historical narrative feel immediate and alive