"Portrait of Maharaja Bhim Kanwar", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album

Painting by Nanha
Calligrapher Mir 'Ali Haravi
verso: ca. 1615–29; recto: ca. 1540
Not on view
Maharaja Bhim Kunwar wears a diaphanous jama tied to the left, an ornately decorated patka, or sash, and a sword hanging from his waist. He is set against a cyan background, typical of portraiture of the early seventeenth century.

Bhim Kunwar, son of the Rajput ruler of Mewar, Rana Amar Singh, was given the title of maharaja by Shah Jahan, and was a staunch supporter and ally of the Mughal house. As demonstrated by the inclusion of his portrait in the Shah Jahan Album, Hindu nobility featured prominently in the ranks of the Mughal empire; Shah Jahan himself was the son of a Rathor Rajput princess.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: "Portrait of Maharaja Bhim Kanwar", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album
  • Artist: Painting by Nanha
  • Calligrapher: Mir 'Ali Haravi (died ca. 1550)
  • Date: verso: ca. 1615–29; recto: ca. 1540
  • Geography: Attributed to India
  • Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Page:
    H. 15 1/4 in. (38.7 cm)
    W. 10 1/16 in. (25.6 cm)
    Painting:
    H. 6 7/16 in. (16.4 cm)
    W. 3 13/16 in. (9.7 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and The Kevorkian Foundation Gift, 1955
  • Object Number: 55.121.10.2
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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