"Entertainment in a Garden", Folio from a Khamsa of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Matla' al-Anvar

Author Amir Khusrau Dihlavi Indian

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Rulers sometimes held semi-public bazms (feasts) involving large numbers of guests. Here the ruler is seated on a hexagonal platform atop a tree and accompanied by attendants. This whimsical portrayal of an outdoor bazm includes charming details such as children swinging on tree branches and servants climbing a ladder to serve the ruler food and wine. Below, dancers and musicians playing the kamancha (Persian fiddle), daf (frame drum), and barbat (Persian oud or lute) entertain the guests gathered around them.

"Entertainment in a Garden", Folio from a Khamsa of Amir Khusrau Dihlavi, Matla' al-Anvar, Amir Khusrau Dihlavi (Indian, Patiyali, 1253–1325 Delhi), Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

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