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Portrait of the Elephant 'Alam Guman

Painting attributed to Bichitr Indian
ca. 1640
Not on view
Persian inscription (in nasta'liq script in gold cartouche, possibly in Shah Jahan’s hand): "Likeness of 'Alam Guman Gajraj [the arrogant one of the earth, king of elephants] whose value is one lakh [a hundred thousand rupees]" Along with seventeen other elephants from Mewar, this famous tusker was presented to the Mughal emperor Jahangir during the New Year celebrations of March 21, 1614. In his memoirs, Jahangir states: "on the second day of the New Year, knowing it propitious for a ride, I mounted ['Alam Guman] and scattered about much money." Elephants were among the prized possession of the Indian courts, and their portraiture falls into the larger Mughal practice of meticulously recording the treasures of the court.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of the Elephant 'Alam Guman
  • Artist: Painting attributed to Bichitr (Indian, active ca. 1610–60)
  • Date: ca. 1640
  • Geography: Made in India
  • Medium: Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
  • Dimensions: Whole page a:
    H. 18 1/8 in. (46 cm)
    W. 12 5/8 in. (32 cm)
    Whole page b:
    H. 18.1/8 in. (46 cm)
    W. 12 5/8 in. (32 cm)
    Calligraphy page:
    H. 73/4 in. (19.6 cm)
    W. 3 1/16 in. (7.6 cm)
  • Classification: Codices
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1996
  • Object Number: 1996.98a
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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Calligraphic Folio with Persian Verses, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper
Calligraphic Folio with Persian Verses
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"Portrait of Raja Bikramajit (Sundar Das)", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Bichitr Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
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"Shah Jahan on a Terrace, Holding a Pendant Set With His Portrait", Folio from the Shah Jahan Album, Chitarman Indian, Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper
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