Qutb ad-Din Khan and Muhammad Husain Mirza

This painting represents Mughal miniature painting. Such images usually served as a folio in historical manuscripts such as the Akbarnama or the Baburnama. They were ordered by emperors to commemorate their victories, court scenes, and family traditions. Mughal painting has three major historical periods associated with particular emperors. It began in the time of Humayun; however, it flourished during the reign of Akbar, whose era can be seen as the golden age for this period. Under Akbar, the style was characterized by monumental manuscript works, including the Hamzanama. There are actually two compositions of this image. Both depict the Battle of Patan when the Mughal troops won in 1572. Contrary to the Western linear perspective, Mughal art uses the technique of "stacking." The composition includes cavalry, foot troops, and war elephants. The overlapping figures gives us a sense of motion and sound. Such images were designed to demonstrate the strength and legitimacy of the dynasty.