Zu'lfiqar Khan

Muhammad Beg, who had the title Zu'lfiqar Khan, was one of the faithful servants of the Mughal emperor He is identified in the inscription on the green ground at left, which also identifies the artist as Nanha. The lower inscription adds that Zu'lfiqar Khan was unequalled for his skills in archery, and was one of the emperor's faithful servants. He died in 1611. The painting must have been inherited from the emperor Jahangir (r. 1605-1627) by his son Shah Jahan (r. 1628-1658) when it was given new mounts for inclusion in an album. The very fine gold painted border on indigo ground is signed by the illuminator, Dowlat, in a minuscule inscription on the outer gold border framing the picture, at lower right.