Muhammad Ismail was one of the important military commanders in Mughal empire. He was known by title Zulfiqar Khan. He was the son of Aurangzeb's wazir Asad Khan. Zulfikar Khan standing in a side profile against a plain green background which draws the attention entirely to the figure. He is shown holding a sword.
Artist Nanha captured the details of the textiles. Zulfiqar wears a white jama, decorated with floral motifs and richly embroidered patka. his turban is elaborately patterned which shown his elite status.
He is identified by the inscription written on the green background to the left of the portrait. The inscription also records artist Nanha. A second inscription below praises Zulfiqar Khan as unsurpassed in his skills in archery and describes him as one of the emperor's most faithful servants.
The surrounding illumination is itself a remarkable work of art. The finely painted gold floral border.
Nanha does a commendable job in depicting Zulfiqar Khan in the given painting. The painting portrays Zulfiqar Khan as the most faithful and most skilled. Through this painting, Nanha provides the visual image of how Zulfiqar Khan and other military commanders of the time appeared to be under Mughal rule.
