The Peacock Throne in Diwan-i-Khas

The given artwork by Ghulam Ali Khan depicts the iconic Peacock throne also known as Mayūrāsana (in Hindustani) and Takht-i Tāvūs (in Persian). It was made by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the early 17th century and was located in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences, or Ministers' Room) in the Red Fort of Delhi. It functioned as the imperial throne of the Mughal Empire and was made completely out of gold showcasing unmatched craftsmanship. The throne was named after the peacock mounted on its canopy displaying its tail. Shah Jahan was a great patron of art and architecture as he adorned his capital richly with luxurious items. The peacock throne being one of the central focuses in his Diwan-i-Khas. Shah Jahan's rule marked the zenith of Mughal economy and architecture which is evident from the fact that the cost of making the Peacock Throne was almost twice the cost of building the Taj Mahal. After the invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739, the throne was taken by him as a war trophy. The beautiful throne was eventually dismantled in Persia and its gold and jewels were either distributed or lost. Ghulam Ali Khan was a legendary painter who worked for both Mughal and British patrons. He had a long career of nearly four decades spanning from 1817 to 1852.The given artwork is part of an iconic series of 31 paintings completed between 1852 and 1854.The collection was patronised by British officer Sir Thomas Monteath Douglas on behalf of the British East India Company.