It is located at the Johnson collection at the British Library while it was purchased from Richard Johnson in 1807.
Muhammad Nadir al-Samarqandi painted Sufis In Ecstasy under the rule of Mughal emperor Shahjahan. Praises of Allah and saints are inscribed on the painting in Persian. It is painted by using gouache with gold on a leaf while flowers are painted by using gold. There is also seal of Rahmat Khan and Muhafiz Khan. In the artwork one can see that Sufis are dancing while there are 6 Seikhs sitting around them. They are wearing Jama with Persian coat and they are sitting on a carpet filled with flower motifs. One can also observe the palace kind of structure behind them it is decorated in Persian style of Architecture. Bright colours are used and different colours of Jamas of both Seikhs and Saints make it more attractive. Muhammad Nadir al-Samarqandi is the one who painted illustrations for the story of Yusuf and Zulaykha ( prophet Yusuf and Potiphar's wife). Most of the painting are located at Chester Beatty Library, Dublin. It was signed by Muhammad Nadir al-Samarqandi that he painted these art works in Kashmir. Style of Muhammad Nadir al-Samarqandi relates to that of Bukhara school of Persian Painting. It is located at the Johnson collection at the British Library while it was purchased from Richard Johnson in 1807.
‘Sufis in Ecstasy’ is a mughal miniature painting that shows the beauty of the imperial court. This painting has architecture and a vivid color palette that make the scene feel rich and grand. It invites the viewer into a world of wealth and aristocracy. In the center of the Mughal miniature painting Sufis dance, in a trance. The Sufis dancing show a way to reach spiritual communion through music and movement. The Mughal miniature painting also shows six sheikhs. The six sheikhs bring cultural diversity into the same picture. The bright colours and contrasting clothes add rhythm. Guide the eye toward the people. Persian inscriptions that praise Allah and saints strengthen the feeling of spirituality. Finally, the Mughal miniature painting mixes Persian art and Mughal courtly style.
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By: Koushiki Patra
The artwork Sufis in Ecstasy represents a moment of intense spiritual devotion and mystical experience. The dancing and collapsing Sufis appear to have entered a state of religious ecstasy in the presence of six seated Shaikhs. Their energetic movements contrast with the calm, composed figures of the Shaikhs, creating a visual distinction between spiritual experience and spiritual guidance. The Persian inscriptions praising Allah and the saints further reinforce the religious character of the scene. The richly decorated carpet, colourful garments, golden details and palace or shrine-like architecture add to the sense of a sacred and prestigious gathering. I think the painting conveys the idea that spiritual devotion can transcend ordinary physical and social boundaries, allowing the worshipper to experience a deeper connection with the divine. The combination of Persian artistic influences and Mughal visual traditions also reflects the cultural exchange that shaped Mughal painting.
