“Mahiya frees Zambur, Beheads his sleeping guards, and suspends Gharrad in his stead” is a truly striking work of art made by the illustrious Mughal artist, Mir Sayyid Ali. The work is part of the illustrated Hamzanama, the impressive manuscript commissioned by the Emperor Akbar, that details the life of Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. In the work, we can see that Mahiya has entered into the chambers where Zambur was once captured, has slain the guards placed around him, and is working to free Zambur and suspend the adversary Gharrad in his stead. Mahiya, the skilled female spy, is shown beheading the guards placed in the area, with such expert skill that they evidently have not even stirred from their sleep. The skill of Mir Sayyid Ali is evident in the work. We can see how the artist has beautifully composed the work. The guards and characters are depicted in gorgeous colours and unique patterns. Every small bit of detail is also finely depicted, such as the feather on the head of Mahiya or the different turbans tied by the guards. We can see that the castle itself is equally gorgeous in its creation. All sorts of patterns and textures are evident in the work, from the beautiful floral design upon the dark blue on the walls, to the stained glass that forms the roof of a canopy, and the different tilework patterns that make up the floor.
This illustration is a part of the Hamzanama, an epic containing the adventures of
Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad. This painting depicts scenes involving Mahiya who was a spy for Prince Ibrahim. According to the legend, when Zambur didn't return for a long time, Mahiya went to his house and saw him suspended upside down while a group of men were drinking wine. She then cut off the heads of all of Gharrad’s companions, hung Gharrad up in Zambur’s place and went back home with Zambur. The painting shows Mahiya cutting off a sleeping man’s head, six other dead men with their necks cut, and Zambur hanging upside down in a doorway.
