PREACHING TO JAHANGIR BY SUFI SAINT

Hindi

(It’s a looking mirror and this art is known as Mirror Engraving)

In this painting the artist have shown a scene of a true story somewhat between 1615-1618, where Jahangir is preferring a Sufi Shaikh to kings and a large gold disk which radiates forms a beautiful background of the Emperor’s head. A slim crescent moon hugs most of the disc’s border makes a harmonious fusion between the sun and the moon which are the symbols of ruler’s emperorship and divine truth. In this painting Jahangir is shown seated on an elevated, stone-studded plateform whose circular form mimics the disc above. The Emperor is biggest of the five human figures showen in this painting, and the disc with his halo a visual manifestation of his title of honor is the largest object in this painting. We can see the stark contrast between Jahangir’s gem-studded wrist bracelets and finger rings and shaikh’s bare hands the distinction between rich and poor, and the pursuit of material and spiritual endeavors less clear is the implied difference to the emperor by the elderly saikh’s decision to accept the imperial gift not directly in his hands, but in his shawl because shaikh is hesitating and trying to avoid the physical contact with royal personage, a cultural taboo. A similar principle is at work in the action of the Sultan who presses his palms togather in a respectful gesture. Below the Shaikh, second in hierarchial order of importance, we can see standing an ottoman sultan. The unidentified leader, who have dressed in embroidered clothing and a turban tied in a style that distinguishes him as a foreign looks in the direction of throne, his hands joined in respectful supplication. The third standing figure awaithing a reception with the emperor has been identified as James 1 of England. By his European attire-plumped hat worn at a tilt, fitted shirt with lace ruff and elaborated jewellary. He appears distinctive. His unique postures and direct gaze also make him appear indecorous and perhaps even uneasy. Standing last in the line is a man wearing an understated Jama(robe) tied on his left, which indicates that he is Hindu in service at Mughal court. In this paintings we can notice there are four little angles , they are the protectors. In this painting the artist is trying to show that when ever some valuable things were given or gifted to the Emperor or King then these protectors used to protect them by their super powers.