This is a folio from the Akbarnama (Book of Akbar), the official chronicle of Akbar’s rule written by Abu’l Fazl between 1590 and 1595. This particular composition was designed by the artist La’l, while the coloured details were completed by the painter Hari, also called Harbans, Haribans, or Harivamsa. The painting records an event in which a large water tank was excavated near Narwar under Akbar’s orders. Following Akbar’s death, the manuscript passed through the imperial libraries of Jahangir and Shah Jahan before eventually entering the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1896. The painting vividly depicts labourers engaged in the excavation of the water tank at night. The scene is crowded with figures carrying baskets of earth, digging the ground, and coordinating their efforts in a highly organized manner. Torches illuminate the activity, creating a sense of urgency and determination. The artist skilfully arranges the figures across the composition, guiding the viewer’s eye through the bustling scene. The fort walls and architectural structures in the background establish the setting, while the large tree at the centre provides visual balance. Rich colours, detailed costumes, expressive gestures, and careful attention to movement bring the scene to life. Despite portraying hard physical labour, the painting possesses a remarkable sense of harmony and rhythm, reflecting the refinement of Mughal artistic traditions. Overall, this artwork is both a historical record and a masterpiece of Mughal miniature painting. It highlights Akbar’s concern for public works and demonstrates the extraordinary talent of the artists in his court.

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