top of page
New Images
Heading 6

Personalities

Our Image Collection

Zinat Mahal Begam Sahiba

Photograph of Zinat Mahal and Emily Wheeler in Rangoon, taken by Alexander McMahon, 1872

Copy of a Portrait for Asafar Mahal Begam wife of Bahadur Shah II, Delhi, by the artists Mahmud Faizul and his pupil, Asmuddin, circa 1900, after originals of 1840-50

Copy of a Portrait for Akhter Mahal Begam wife of Bahadur Shah II, Delhi, by the artists Mahmud Faizul and his pupil, Asmuddin, circa 1900, after originals of 1840-50

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Scenery & Places

(Number of images - 84)
This Photo of the Kalyana Mahal at Gingee in Tamil Nadu from the 'Archaeological Survey of India Collections: Madras, 1894-95'. Gingee is situated south-west of Madras and was established during the Chola dynasty. The fort at Gingee has been occupied by the Vijayanagara kings, the Nayakas, the Adil Shahi dynasty, the Marathas, the French and the British. It consists of three fortified hills; Krishnagiri, Chandragiri and Rajagiri. The citadel stands on the summit of the central Rajagiri Hill and it is protected by seven gateways. The Kalyana Mahal is located at the base of this hill and dates from the Nayaka period at Gingee from the late 16th to mid 17th centuries. This view looks north-west. The most dominant feature of the royal complex is the five-storeyed tower. The tower has arcades on four sides and a small chamber with a steeply pyramidal roof at the top.
 
Mughal-Library
 

Gingee Fort ( Senji Fort )

British general Sir James Outram's encampment at Alambagh near Lucknow, India, during the Indian Rebellion (also known as the Indian Mutiny) of 1857. 50 stunning images from the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 British general Sir James Outram's encampment at Alambagh near Lucknow, India, during the Indian Rebellion (also known as the Indian Mutiny) of 1857.

Mughal-Library

56 stunning images from the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 (42)

This modest monument marks the hallowed spot where the Rani of Jhansi was cremated on 17 June 1858. Her last rites were hurriedly performed by her followers so that her dead body might not fall into the hands of the enemy. Early life A miniature portrait of Rani Lakshmibai Rani Lakshmibai was born on 19 November 1828 in the town of Varanasi into a Marathi Karhade Brahmin family. She was named Manikarnika Tambe and was nicknamed Manu. Her father was Moropant Tambe and her mother Bhagirathi Sapre (Bhagirathi Bai). Her parents came from Maharashtra. Her mother died when she was four years old. Her father was the Commander of the war of Kalyanpranth. Her father worked for Peshwa Baji Rao II of Bithoor district. The Peshwa called her "Chhabili", which means "playful". She was educated at home, able to read and write, and was more independent in her childhood than others of her age; her studies included shooting, horsemanship, fencing and mallakhamba with her childhood friends Nana Sahib and Tatya Tope. [dubious – discuss] Rani Lakshmibai contrasted many of the patriarchal cultural expectations for women in India's society at this time. Rani Lakshmibai was accustomed to riding on horseback accompanied by escorts between the palace and the temple, although sometimes she was carried in a palanquin. Her horses included Sarangi, Pavan and Baadal; according to historians she rode Baadal when escaping from the fort in 1858. Her palace, the Rani Mahal, has now been converted into a museum. It houses a collection of archaeological remains of the period between the 9th and 12th centuries AD. History of Jhansi, 1842 - May 1857 Manikarnika was married to the Maharaja of Jhansi, Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, in May 1842 and was afterwards called Lakshmibai (or Laxmibai) in honour of the Hindu goddess Lakshmi and according to the Maharashtrian tradition of women being given a new name after marriage. In September 1851, she gave birth to a boy, later named Damodar Rao, who died four months after birth. The Maharaja adopted a child called Anand Rao, the son of Gangadhar Rao's cousin, who was renamed Damodar Rao, on the day before the Maharaja died. The adoption was in the presence of the British political officer who was given a letter from the Maharaja instructing that the child be treated with respect and that the government of Jhansi should be given to his widow for her lifetime. After the death of the Maharaja in November 1853, because Damodar Rao (born Anand Rao) was an adopted son, the British East India Company, under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie, applied the Doctrine of Lapse, rejecting Damodar Rao's claim to the throne and annexing the state to its territories. When she was informed of this she cried out "Main apni Jhansi nahi doongi" (I shall not surrender my Jhansi). In March 1854, Rani Lakshmibai was given an annual pension of Rs. 60,000 and ordered to leave the palace and the fort. According to Vishnu Bhatt Godse the Rani would exercise at weightlifting, wrestling and steeplechasing before breakfast. An intelligent and simply-dressed woman, she ruled in a business-like manner. Indian Rebellion of 1857 Beginning of the Rebellion On 10 May 1857 the Indian Rebellion started in Meerut. When news of the fighting reached Jhansi, the Rani asked the British political officer, Captain Alexander Skene, for permission to raise a body of armed men for her own protection; Skene agreed to this. The city was relatively calm in the midst of the regional unrest, but the Rani conducted a Haldi Kumkum ceremony with pomp in front of all the women of Jhansi to provide assurance to her subjects, in the summer of 1857 and to convince them that the British were cowards and not to be afraid of them. Until this point, Lakshmibai was reluctant to rebel against the British. In June 1857, rebels of the 12th Bengal Native Infantry seized the Star Fort of Jhansi containing the treasure and magazine, and after persuading the British to lay down their arms by promising them no harm, broke their word and massacred 40 to 60 European officers of the garrison along with their wives and children. The Rani's involvement in this massacre is still a subject of debate. An army doctor, Thomas Lowe, wrote after the rebellion characterizing her as the "Jezebel of India . the young rani upon whose head rested the blood of the slain". The Rani of Jhansi's seal Four days after the massacre the sepoys left Jhansi, having obtained a large sum of money from the Rani, and having threatened to blow up the palace where she lived. Following this, as the only source of authority in the city the Rani felt obliged to assume the administration and wrote to Major Erskine, commissioner of the Saugor division explaining the events which had led her to do so. On 2 July, Erskine wrote in reply, requesting her to "manage the District for the British Government" until the arrival of a British Superintendent. The Rani's forces defeated an attempt by the mutineers to assert the claim to the throne of a rival prince Sadashiv Rao (nephew of Maharaja Gangadhar Rao) who was captured and imprisoned. There was then an invasion of Jhansi by the forces of Company allies Orchha and Datia; their intention however was to divide Jhansi between themselves. The Rani appealed to the British for aid but it was now believed by the governor-general that she was responsible for the massacre and no reply was received. She set up a foundry to cast cannon to be used on the walls of the fort and assembled forces including some from former feudatories of Jhansi and elements of the mutineers which were able to defeat the invaders in August 1857. Her intention at this time was still to hold Jhansi on behalf of the British. Siege of Jhansi The storming of Jhansi - Lieutenant Bonus Jhansi Fort, 1882 From August 1857 to January 1858 Jhansi under the Rani's rule was at peace. The British had announced that troops would be sent there to maintain control but the fact that none arrived strengthened the position of a party of her advisers who wanted independence from British rule. When the British forces finally arrived in March they found it well-defended and the fort had heavy guns which could fire over the town and nearby countryside. According to one source Hugh Rose, commanding the British forces, demanded the surrender of the city; if this was refused it would be destroyed. The same source claims that after due deliberation the Rani issued a proclamation: "We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation." Other sources, for example, have no mention of a demand for surrender. She defended Jhansi against British troops when Sir Hugh Rose besieged Jhansi on 23 March 1858. The bombardment of Jhansi began on 24 March but was met by heavy return fire and the damaged defences were repaired. The defenders sent appeals for help to Tatya Tope; an army of more than 20,000, headed by Tatya Tope, was sent to relieve Jhansi but they failed to do so when they fought the British on 31 March. During the battle with Tatya Tope's forces part of the British forces continued the siege and by 2 April it was decided to launch an assault by a breach in the walls. Four columns assaulted the defences at different points and those attempting to scale the walls came under heavy fire. Two other columns had already entered the city and were approaching the palace together. Determined resistance was encountered in every street and in every room of the palace. Street fighting continued into the following day and no quarter was given, even to women and children. "No maudlin clemency was to mark the fall of the city" wrote Thomas Lowe. The Rani withdrew from the palace to the fort and after taking counsel decided that since resistance in the city was useless she must leave and join either Tatya Tope or Rao Sahib (Nana Sahib's nephew). The place from where Rani Lakshmibai jumped on her horse. According to tradition with Damodar Rao on her back she jumped on her horse Badal from the fort; they survived but the horse died.[38] The Rani escaped in the night with her son, surrounded by guards.[39] The escort included the warriors Khuda Bakhsh Basharat Ali (commandant), Gulam Gaus Khan, Dost Khan, Lala Bhau Bakshi, Moti Bai, Sunder-Mundar, Kashi Bai, Deewan Raghunath Singh and Deewan Jawahar Singh.[citation needed] She decamped to Kalpi with a few guards, where she joined additional rebel forces, including Tatya Tope. They occupied the town of Kalpi and prepared to defend it. On 22 May British forces attacked Kalpi; the forces were commanded by the Rani herself and were again defeated. Flight to Gwalior The leaders (the Rani of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, the Nawab of Banda, and Rao Sahib) fled once more. They came to Gwalior and joined the Indian forces who now held the city (Maharaja Scindia having fled to Agra from the battlefield at Morar). They moved on to Gwalior intending to occupy the strategic Gwalior Fort and the rebel forces occupied the city without opposition. The rebels proclaimed Nana Sahib as Peshwa of a revived Maratha dominion with Rao Sahib as his governor (subedar) in Gwalior. The Rani was unsuccessful in trying to persuade the other rebel leaders to prepare to defend Gwalior against a British attack which she expected would come soon. General Rose's forces took Morar on 16 June and then made a successful attack on the city. Death and burial On 17 June in Kotah-ki-Serai near the Phool Bagh of Gwalior, a squadron of the 8th (King's Royal Irish) Hussars, under Captain Heneage, fought the large Indian force commanded by Rani Lakshmibai, who was trying to leave the area. The 8th Hussars charged into the Indian force, slaughtering 5,000 Indian soldiers, including any Indian "over the age of 16". They took two guns and continued the charge right through the Phool Bagh encampment. In this engagement, according to an eyewitness account, Rani Lakshmibai put on a sowar's uniform and attacked one of the hussars; she was unhorsed and also wounded, probably by his sabre. Shortly afterwards, as she sat bleeding by the roadside, she recognised the soldier and fired at him with a pistol, whereupon he "dispatched the young lady with his carbine". According to another tradition Rani Lakshmibai, the Queen of Jhansi, dressed as a cavalry leader, was badly wounded; not wishing the British to capture her body, she told a hermit to burn it. After her death a few local people cremated her body. The British captured the city of Gwalior after three days. In the British report of this battle, Hugh Rose commented that Rani Lakshmibai is "personable, clever and beautiful" and she is "the most dangerous of all Indian leaders". Rose reported that she had been buried "with great ceremony under a tamarind tree under the Rock of Gwalior, where I saw her bones and ashes". Her tomb is in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior. Twenty years after her death Colonel Malleson wrote in the History of the Indian Mutiny; vol. 3; London, 1878- Whatever her faults in British eyes may have been, her countrymen will ever remember that she was driven by ill-treatment into rebellion, and that she lived and died for her country, We cannot forget her contribution for India.' — Colonel Malleson Descendant According to a memoir purporting to be by 'Damodar Rao', the young prince was among his mother's troops and household at the battle of Gwalior. Together with others who had survived the battle (some 60 retainers with 60 camels and 22 horses) he fled from the camp of Rao Sahib of Bithur and as the village people of Bundelkhand dared not aid them for fear of reprisals from the British, they were forced to live in the forest and suffer many privations. After two years there were about 12 survivors and these, together with another group of 24 they encountered, sought the city of Jhalrapatan where there were yet more refugees from Jhansi. Damodar Rao of Jhansi surrendered himself to a British official and his memoir ends in May 1860. He was then allowed a pension of Rs. 10,000, seven retainers, and was in the guardianship of Munshi Dharmanarayan. The whole memoir was published in Marathi in Kelkar, Y. N. (1959) Itihasachyaaa Sahali ("Voyages in History"). It is likely that this text is a written version based on tales of the prince's life in oral circulation and that what actually happened to him remains unknown.

Chhattari of Rani Lakshmi Bai

A view of Man Mandir in the Fort of Gwalior

A view of Man Mandir in the Fort of Gwalior

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Animals & Plants

(Number of images - 131)
Headings Photographic prints. Notes - Published as halftone in Harper's Weekly, 1895, p. 938. - Photographic print made by LC from Jackson's vintage film negative. - Gift; Colorado Historical Society; 1949. - Forms part of: Jackson, William Henry, 1843-1942. World's Transportation Commission photograph collection (Library of Congress). Medium 1 photographic print : gelatin silver ; 8 x 10 in. or smaller. Call Number/Physical Location LOT 11948, no. 522 [P&P] Source Collection Jackson, William Henry, 1843-1942. World's Transportation Commission photograph collection (Library of Congress) Repository Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Digital Id wtc 4a02636 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/wtc.4a02636 cph 3b25931 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b25931 Library of Congress Control Number 2004707372 Reproduction Number LC-USZ62-78846 (b&w film copy neg.) Rights Advisory No known restrictions on publication. Online Format image LCCN Permalink https://lccn.loc.gov/2004707372 Additional Metadata Formats MARCXML Record MODS Record Dublin Core Record

Delhi - a native jut cart or wagon pulled by bullocks intermediary roll film

Headings Photographic prints--1900-1910. Stereographs--1900-1910. Genre Photographic prints--1900-1910 Stereographs--1900-1910 Notes - No. 2. - Title from item. Medium 1 photograph : print ; mount 9 x 18 cm (stereograph format) Call Number/Physical Location STEREO FOREIGN GEOG FILE - India--N [item] [P&P] Repository Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print Digital Id stereo 1s27012 https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/stereo.1s27012 Library of Congress Control Number 2020681749 Reproduction Number LC-DIG-stereo-1s27012 (digital file from original) Rights Advisory No known restrictions on publication. Online Format image LCCN Permalink https://lccn.loc.gov/2020681749 Additional Metadata Formats MARCXML Record MODS Record Dublin Core Record

Charming Naldera, favorite retreat of lords Lytton and Curzon-s.s.w. toward Simla, India

Headings Photographic prints--1900-1910. Stereographs--1900-1910. Genre Photographic prints--1900-1910 Stereographs--1900-1910 Notes - Title from item. Medium 1 photograph : print ; mount 9 x 18 cm (stereograph format) Call Number/Physical Location STEREO FOREIGN GEOG FILE - India--Bombay [item] [P&P] Repository Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print Digital Id stereo 1s26602 https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/stereo.1s26602 Library of Congress Control Number 2020681361 Reproduction Number LC-DIG-stereo-1s26602 (digital file from original) Rights Advisory No known restrictions on publication. Online Format image LCCN Permalink https://lccn.loc.gov/2020681361 Additional Metadata Formats MARCXML Record MODS Record Dublin Core Record

Varied methods of travel in India - an "Ekka" before magnificent Victoria Station, Bombay

Headings Photographic prints--1900-1910. Stereographs--1900-1910. Genre Photographic prints--1900-1910 Stereographs--1900-1910 Notes - No. 14107. - Title from item. Medium 1 photograph : print ; mount 9 x 18 cm (stereograph format) Call Number/Physical Location STEREO FOREIGN GEOG FILE - India--Jaipur [item] [P&P] Repository Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print Digital Id stereo 1s26898 https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/stereo.1s26898 Library of Congress Control Number 2020681639 Reproduction Number LC-DIG-stereo-1s26898 (digital file from original) Rights Advisory No known restrictions on publication. Online Format image LCCN Permalink https://lccn.loc.gov/2020681639 Additional Metadata Formats MARCXML Record MODS Record Dublin Core Record

Royal birds in a royal garden, rose-red flamingoes in the Maharaja's aviary, Jaipur, India

View All By

Years

and

Era

(Number of images - 1157)

Our Image Collection

Architecture &

Building

(Number of images - 428)

View All By

Years

and

Era

This is also known as Tippu's fort and is situated in the center of Palakkad town. The fort was constructed in AD 1766. It was built first by Tippu's father Hyder Ali (1717 - 1782) when he captured the northern regions of Kerala. His son Tippu Sultan also fought the British in India. In 1784 the fort was captured from Tippu's forces by the British forces under colonel Fullerton after an 11-day siege.

At the main gate, you will see a stucco design, similar to what you will find in temples. In fact, in Kerala, these stucco designs are unique to the Palakkad Fort. From the main doorway, you reach a second doorway that leads into the citadel. From the gate, the passage leads to a sub-jail.

A walk along the fort will reveal unexpected wonders as you chance upon interesting ancient structures and designs. Another fascinating construction here is the ancient stone step well. A beautifully designed lawn enhances the appearance of the fort but the lawn is open to the public only in the mornings.

The fort is kept alive not only by the tourists but also by the staff of other governmental departments. The fort houses the offices of the Prison and Revenue departments on one side. Another structure houses a museum that displays sculptures and other artifacts found from the premises. For instance, plenty of temple ruins were obtained during repair work held at the fort.

The fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.


Mughal-Library

Palakkad Fort

Named after the former Governor-General of Madras, John Napier, this museum is one of the finest examples of architecture that blends Indian, Chinese, Kerala, and Mughal styles. From the gothic roof to minarets, all elements combine seamlessly to form this unique masterpiece. A landmark in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, it was designed by Robert Chisholm, and the construction of the building was completed in 1880. The Indo-Saracenic structure also boasts of a unique natural air conditioning system. The museum is home to a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, a temple chariot, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, and ivory carvings. It also has the Sree Chitra Art Gallery, which contains paintings by the modern master Raja Ravi Varma and the landscape painter, Nicholas Roerich apart from Mughal and Tanjore art. The Museum shares its grounds with one of the oldest zoological gardens in India, the Trivandrum Zoo which was established in 1857.


Mughal-Library

Napier Museum, Thiruvananthapuram

Kanch Mahal is set near Akbar's Tomb at Sikandara. The beautiful square monument showcases Mughal domestic architecture at its best. One can still see the remnants of the Charbagh with its causeways, water channels and tanks, where it was situated. According to the belief, it was used formerly as a Mahal or Rpyal Ladies' Resort and then as the royal Shikargah (Hunting Lodge) by Jehangir. Built sometime between 1605 -19, it is now in ruins. Previously, it was under the Church Missionary Society but now Department of Archaeology looks after it. The two storeyed mansion has a central square hall roofed by a vaulted soffit. Four square rooms with two openings for ventilation are situated in the four corners of the building. These rooms also have opening on two sides for the purpose of ventilation. The octagonal double pillars on the raised plinth on two sides of the hall serve the purpose of a pedestal for the piers on the second storey. The use of jharokhas and gaukhs (balconies) are not merely adornments of the various rooms but make the floor airy and open. There were two identical facades to the north and south of the building. Only northern façade with a massive central portal about the height of the building has now survived. It has elaborately carved lotus bud and fringes. Similarly facades to the east and west were identical. Brick masonry was used in the building, which was plastered and then painted inside while finely carved red sandstone was used outside. Carving has been extensively used throughout the building; chief patterns being sunkniches containing wine-vases, circular niche containing a full-blown lotus, floral creepers, arabesque work and geometrical designs. The inlaid mosaic work and glazed blue, green and orange tiles on the friezes and roofs have also been used gracefully to beautify the building. It was this tile work that lend the name of Kanch Mahal to the place.

Mughal Library

KANCH MAHAL, SIKANDRA, AGRA, UTTAR PRADESH

he Charminar (lit. 'four minarets') constructed in 1591, is a monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. The landmark has become known globally as a symbol of Hyderabad and is listed among the most recognised structures in India. It has also been officially incorporated as the Emblem of Telangana for the state of Telangana. The Charminar's long history includes the existence of a mosque on its top floor for more than 400 years. While both historically and religiously significant, it is also known for its popular and busy local markets surrounding the structure, and has become one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Hyderabad. Charminar is also a site of numerous festival celebrations, such as Eid-ul-adha and Eid al-Fitr. The Charminar is situated on the east bank of Musi river. To the west lies the Laad Bazaar, and to the southwest lies the richly ornamented granite Makkah Masjid. It is listed as an archaeological and architectural treasure on the official "List of Monuments" prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India. The English name is a translation and combination of the Urdu words chār and minar or meenar, translating to "Four Pillars"; the eponymous towers are ornate minarets attached and supported by four grand arches. History The fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, built the Charminar in 1591 after shifting his capital from Golkonda to the newly formed city of Hyderabad. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the current caretaker of the structure, mentions in its records, "There are various theories regarding the purpose for which Charminar was constructed. However, it is widely accepted that Charminar was built at the centre of the city, to commemorate the eradication of plague", a deadly disease which was wide spread at that time. According to Jean de Thévenot, a French traveller of the 17th century whose narration was complemented with the available Persian texts, the Charminar was constructed in the year 1591 CE, to commemorate the beginning of the second Islamic millennium year (1000 AH). The event was celebrated far and wide in the Islamic world, thus Qutb Shah founded the city of Hyderabad to celebrate the event and commemorate it with the construction of this building.:17–19 Due to its architecture it is also called as Arc de Triomphe of the east. The Charminar was constructed at the intersection of the historical trade route that connects the city to international markets through the port city of Machilipatnam.:195 The Old City of Hyderabad was designed with Charminar as its centrepiece. The city was spread around the Charminar in four different quadrants and chambers, segregated according to the established settlements. Towards the north of Charminar is the Char Kaman, or four gateways, constructed in the cardinal direction.:170 Additional eminent architects from Persia were also invited to develop the city plan. The structure itself was intended to serve as a mosque and madrasa. It is of Indo-Islamic architecture style, incorporating Persian architectural elements. Historian Masud Hussain Khan says that the construction of Charminar was completed in the year 1592, and that it is the city of Hyderabad which was actually founded in the year 1591.:4 According to the book "Days of the Beloved", Qutb shah constructed the Charminar in the year 1589, on the very spot where he first glimpsed his future queen Bhagmati, and after her conversion to Islam, Qutb Shah renamed the city as "Hyderabad". Though the story was rejected by the historians and scholars, it became popular folklore among the locals. Structure The Charminar masjid is a square structure with each side being 20 meters (approximately 66 feet) long. Each of the four sides has one of four grand arches, each facing a fundamental point that opens directly onto the street in front of it. At each corner stands an exquisitely shaped, 56 meter-high (approximately 184 feet) minaret, with a double balcony. Each minaret is crowned by a bulbous dome with dainty, petal-like designs at the base. Unlike the minarets of Taj Mahal, Charminar's four fluted minarets are built into the main structure. There are 149 winding steps to reach the upper floor. The structure is also known for its profusion of stucco decorations and the arrangement of balustrades and balconies. The structure is made of granite, limestone, mortar, and pulverised marble, weighing approximately 14,000 tones apiece. Initially the monument was so proportionately planned that when the fort first opened, one could see all four corners of the bustling city of Hyderabad through each of its four grand arches, as each arch faced one of the most active royal ancestral streets. A mosque is located at the western end of the open roof. The remaining section of the roof served as a royal court during the Qutb Shahi times. The actual mosque occupies the top floor of the four-storey structure. A vault which appears from inside like a dome supports two galleries within the Charminar, one over another. Above those is a terrace that serves as a roof that is bordered with a stone balcony. The main gallery has 45 covered prayer spaces with a large open space in front to accommodate more people for Friday prayers. The clock on the four cardinal directions was added in 1889. There is a vazu (water cistern) in the middle with a small fountain for ablution before offering prayer in the Charminar mosque.

Mughal Library

Charminar

Our Image Collection

Religion &

Festival

(Number of images - 80)
The Süleymaniye Mosque (Turkish: Süleymaniye Camii, pronounced [sylejˈmaːnije]) is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan. An inscription specifies the foundation date as 1550 and the inauguration date as 1557. Behind the qibla wall of the mosque is an enclosure containing the separate octagonal mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and that of his wife Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). For 462 years, the Süleymaniye Mosque was the largest mosque in the city, until it was surpassed by the Çamlıca Mosque in 2019. The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul, and from its location on the Third Hill, it commands an extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. History The Süleymaniye Mosque, was built on the order of Sultan Süleyman (Süleyman the Magnificent), and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan. The Arabic foundation inscription above the north portal of the mosque is carved in thuluth script on three marble panels. It gives a foundation date of 1550 and an inauguration date of 1557. In reality the planning of the mosque began before 1550 and parts of the complex were not completed until after 1557. The design of the Süleymaniye also plays on Süleyman's self-conscious representation of himself as a 'second Solomon.' It references the Dome of the Rock, which was built on the site of the Temple of Solomon, as well as Justinian's boast upon the completion of the Hagia Sophia: "Solomon, I have surpassed thee!" The Süleymaniye, similar in magnificence to the preceding structures, asserts Süleyman's historical importance. The structure is nevertheless smaller in size than its older archetype, the Hagia Sophia. The Süleymaniye was damaged in the great fire of 1660 and was restored by Sultan Mehmed IV. Part of the dome collapsed during the earthquake of 1766. Subsequent repairs damaged what was left of the original decoration of Sinan (recent cleaning has shown that Sinan experimented first with blue, before making red the dominant color of the dome). During World War I the courtyard was used as a weapons depot, and when some of the ammunition ignited, the mosque suffered another fire. Not until 1956 was it fully restored again. ARCHITECTURE Exterior Like the other imperial mosques in Istanbul, the entrance to the mosque itself is preceded by a forecourt with a central fountain. The courtyard is of exceptional grandeur with a colonnaded peristyle with columns of marble, granite and porphyry. The northwest facade of the mosque is decorated with rectangular Iznik tile window lunettes. The mosque is the first building where the Iznik tiles include the brightly coloured tomato red clay under the glaze. At the four corners of the courtyard are the four minarets. The two taller minarets have three galleries (serifes) and rise to a high of 63.8 m (209 ft) without their lead caps and 76 m (249 ft) including the caps. Four minarets were used for mosques endowed by a sultan (princes and princesses could construct two minarets; others only one). The minarets have a total of 10 galleries, which by tradition indicates that Suleiman I was the 10th Ottoman sultan. The main dome is 53 metres (174 feet) high and has a diameter of 26.5 metres (86.9 feet) which is exactly half the height. At the time it was built, the dome was the highest in the Ottoman Empire, when measured from sea level, but still lower from its base and smaller in diameter than that of Hagia Sophia. Interior The interior of the mosque is almost a square, 59 metres (194 feet) in length and 58 metres (190 feet) in width, forming a single vast space. The dome is flanked by semi-domes, and to the north and south arches with tympana-filled windows, supported by enormous porphyry monoliths. Sinan decided to make a radical architectural innovation to mask the huge north-south buttresses needed to support these central piers. He incorporated the buttresses into the walls of the building, with half projecting inside and half projecting outside, and then hid the projections by building colonnaded galleries. There is a single gallery inside the structure, and a two-story gallery outside. The interior decoration is restrained with stained-glass windows restricted to the qibla wall. Iznik tile revetments are only used around the mihrab. The repeating rectangular tiles have a stencil-like floral pattern on a white ground. The flowers are mainly blue with turquoise, red and black but green is not used. On either side of the mihrab are large Iznik tile calligraphic roundels with text from the Al-Fatiha surah of the Quran (1:1–7). The white marble mihrab and mimbar are also simple in design, and woodwork is restrained, with simple designs in ivory and mother of pearl. Maosoleums In the walled enclosure behind the qibla wall of the mosque are the separate mausoleums (türbe) of Sultan Suleiman I and his wife Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). Hurrem Sultan's octagonal mausoleum is dated 1558, the year of her death. The 16 sided interior is decorated with Iznik tiles. The seven rectangular windows are surmounted by tiled lunettes and epigraphic panels. Between the windows are eight mihrab-like hooded niches. The ceiling is now whitewashed but was probably once painted in bright colours. The much larger octagonal mausoleum of Suleiman the Magnificent bears the date of 1566, the year of his death, but it was probably not completed until the following year. The mausoleum is surrounded by a peristyle with a roof supported by 24 columns and has the entrance facing east rather than the usual north. Under the portico on either side of the entrance are Iznik tiled panels. These are the earliest tiles that are decorated with the bright emerald green colour that would become a common feature of Iznik ceramics. The interior has a false dome supported on eight columns within the outer shell. There are 14 windows set at ground level and an additional 24 windows with stained glass set in the tympana under the arches. The walls and the pendentives are covered with polychrome Iznik tiles. Around the room above the windows is a band of inscriptive tiled panels. The text quotes the Throne verse and the following two verses from the Quran (2:255-58). In addition to the tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent, the mausoleum houses the tombs of his daughter Mihrimah Sultan and those of two later sultans: Suleiman II (ruled 1687–1691) and Ahmed II (ruled 1691–1695). Complex As with other imperial mosques in Istanbul, the Süleymaniye Mosque was designed as a külliye, or complex with adjacent structures to service both religious and cultural needs. The original complex consisted of the mosque itself, a hospital (darüşşifa), primary school, public baths (hamam), a caravanserai, four Qur'an schools (medrese), a specialized school for the learning of hadith, a medical college, and a public kitchen (imaret) which served food to the poor. Many of these structures are still in existence, and the former imaret is now a noted restaurant. The former hospital is now a printing factory owned by the Turkish Army. Just outside the mosque walls, to the north is the tomb of architect Sinan. It was completely restored in 1922.

Mughal-Library

Burial place of Suleiman I at Süleymaniye Mosque

The Safa Shahouri Masjid, the biggest and most famous of the mosques in Ponda taluka was was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshan of Bijapur. There are some historians who believe that it was not Ibrahim but rather Sultan Ali Adilshah I who built the Safa Masjid of Ponda in 1560 since the period of Sultan Ali Adilshah I was 1557-1580. From 1489-90 onwards, Goa was under the control of the Adilshahi rulers of the Bijapur Kingdom. Yusuf Adil Khan was the Turkish founder of this kingdom who ruled from 1489-1510. It was in 1510 that the Portuguese ‘governador' Afonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa (Tiswadi) from the successor of Yusuf Adil Shah, that is his son Ismail Adil Shah who ruled from 1510-1534. In the 16th century, the Portuguese conquered the Tiswadi, Bardez and the Salcete only from the Adilshahi rulers but Ponda and other parts of Goa continued to be under the Adilshahi dynasty. Ismail Adil Shah was succeeded by his son Ibrahim Adilshahi I, who ruled from 1534-1557. Built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, the Safa mosque survived the havoc wreaked by the Portuguese colonizers as part of the Inquisition process. During the reign of the Bijapur Sultan, the region witnessed a proliferation of mosques and Ponda alone was home to 27 of them including the Safa Masjid. It has withstood the ravages of time attracting a large number of Muslim devotees, historians, tourists both domestic and foreign, and has been noted as an important heritage monument of Goa and India. This mosque continues to be an important structure for the local muslim community and is a venue of celebration during festivals of Id-Ul-Fitr and Id-Ul-Zuha. The Safa Masjid of Ponda is a very pertinent representative of medieval Goa's history and culture. The minimalist Masjid is a fusion of Indo-Islamic style. Also known as the Shifa Shahourie Masjid, the Safa masjid presents an elegant spectacle with typical Islamic arches decorating the walls. Literally, the Arabic word ‘Safa' means clean, chaste and pure and the title befits this beautiful structure which is devoid of any mindless extravagance and grandeur. The mosque was located at the center of a sprawling garden complex and fountains, destroyed during the Portuguese rule. Only remnants of the garden can be witnessed today. The rectangular prayer hall of the mosque rests above a high base and is capped with a pointed terracotta tile roof. The massive water tank within the mosque premises is another attraction. Featuring small chambers decorated with 'meharab' designs, the tank is located to the south of the prayer hall unlike most mosques where it is located outside the main entrance.

Mughal-Library

Safa Mosque, Goa

Beemapally is a region within the city of Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala, India. Beemapally is famous for its mosque, Beemapally Dargah Shareef, which houses the tomb of Syedunnisa Beema Beevi, a woman believed to have divine powers, and her son Syedu Shuhada Maheen Abubacker. Every year there is a festival held to venerate Beema Beevi which attracts thousands of pilgrims from all faiths and castes. Beemapally Masjid is an impressive building with its imposing façade and soaring minarets. The tomb of Beema Beevi, the lady with miraculous powers who is believed to belong to the Prophet Mohammed’s family, is the main attraction at this mosque. People of all faiths come to offer prayers at Beemapally. Annual Urus Beemapally Mosque is famous for its annual urus which attracts scores of pilgrims from all walks of life. The festival, which marks the death anniversary of Syedunnisa Beema Beevi, starts on the first of Jama dul Akbar and continues for the next ten days. The celebration begins with the hoisting of the customary flag of the mosque in front of the elders and other devotees. The devotees carry money in pots which are adorned with flowers and incense sticks. The pot’s opening is swathed in white cloth and a garland is fastened around the neck. The pots are daubed with sandal paste which is why the festival is called Chandanakudam (sandal pot).Beemapalli Mosque is a hub of activity during the festivities and many art forms like daharamuttu are performed in the mosque. Many religious discussions are held and Islamic devotional songs are performed outside the mosque. On the final day of Chandanakudam Mahotsavam, a flag from Beema Bibi’s grave is taken; there is a grand procession with caparisoned elephants and the music of the panchavadyam (five instruments). The magnificence of scores of mosques rests lightly on his shoulders. And age has not worn out his creative spirit. At 66, G. Gopalakrishnan is brimming with confidence and busy sketching away `sacred designs', adding to his impressive tally of over 70 mosques in Kerala. "It's all pre-ordained," he says, quite religiously. That's the best he can explain as to why he has been building mosques for over four decades now. "Being a Hindu has never posed a problem," he adds. His two-room office in Thiruvananthapuram is just a few yards away from the Palayam Juma Masjid, where he learnt the ropes under his contractor father. "As a child, I used to trace blueprints drawn by my father. On holidays, I used to hang around at the worksites, comparing the sketches with the completed structures," he says. Way back in 1960, Gopalakrishnan's father bagged the contract for restoring the Palayam Masjid — this became the launching pad for the designer-architect. The State's first chief engineer, T.P. Kuttiamu, the brain behind the project, spotted the young talent and encouraged him to take up mosque construction as a vocation. Then on, he got hands-on training and a chance to make drawings for many a mosque. The builder in him was slowly taking shape and the man felt that this was his calling. Moreover, by then, financial strain had forced him to give up his AMIE aspirations. The renovation was completed in 1965. And the dome was seen as a welcome shift from the sloping tile-roofed mosques of the day. Gopalakrishnan was flooded with offers and it has been so ever since. "There has not been a single day in the past 40 years when I have not been involved in construction work," he says. Currently, he is working on eight mosques, a church, a few houses and shopping complexes. The first major work he undertook was that of the Beema Pally Juma Masjid, which is now a major pilgrim centre in South India. The edifice, which rests on a podium, has a massive façade, huge domes, tall minarets, pillars and `jaali' work. The walls and ceilings are rich in floral inlay and Arabic inscriptions. No mean feat for a 29-year-old. Catering to popular demand, Gopalakrishnan has been striking a harmonious blend of Indian and Saracenic styles. The lotus motif runs almost throughout his designs and this came in for criticism after the Babri Masjid demolition. But he convinced his detractors saying, "The lotus is our national flower and placing the dome inside it is a mark of respect, a symbol of religious harmony." It is hard to believe that Gopalakrishnan has not seen any Islamic-style architecture outside the State. His inspiration has been Percy Brown's Indian Architecture: Islamic Period. "It's more than enough to study a plan in detail. Seeing a structure as such is not that important," he feels. Innovations mark each of the mosques he has built — the Sheikh Masjid at Karunagapally is modelled on the Taj Mahal; the Ziyarathumoodu mosque, near Kollam, is a brilliant mix of Indo-Saracenic features and sloping roof and the Chalai mosque in Thiruvananthapuram has a more contemporary profile. The most daunting task in his career has been the renovation of the Vavar Mosque in Erumely. Legend has it that Vavar was a follower of Lord Ayyappa and hence pilgrims to the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple stop there to make oblations. "It was a touchy issue, for the work had to be carried out in such a way that the Hindus who circle the mosque do not disturb their Muslim brethren during namaz," he says. He had an easy solution — a roofed verandah around the mosque for the Ayyappa devotees. He has to his credit three churches too, the most imposing of them being the St George Orthodox Church at Chandanapally in Pathanamthitta district. Gothic and Kerala features merge in this marvel, which looks a lot like the St Peter's Basilica in Rome. He has also constructed a Kali temple, shaped like a chariot, near his house in Lenin Nagar in the city. This builder of harmony upholds a philosophy that transcends all religious barriers. No better proof for this than that he observes the Ramzan and Easter fast and the 41-day vrat during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season. Two years ago, Gopalakrishnan floated `Maanavamaitri', a forum for promoting universal brotherhood. He believes that the tenets of all religions are the same. Perhaps that's why he has given freedom to his three boys to follow the religion of their choice. Incidentally, his wife is a Christian. To Gopalakrishnan, "work is worship" and the completion of each work gives him "the satisfaction of a long prayer". His only worry all these years has been that he has to find a licensed architect to get his blueprints approved. But now he may not have to look far for that. His eldest son has completed B. Arch. and has applied for licence; he has started helping out his father at their construction firm, Architekton. Exuding humility he says, "It has been a long learning process for me and now I am taking lessons from my son on computer-aided designing." This master-builder stays away from the limelight in his small ancestral house and moves around in a white Fiat, gifted to him 17 years ago by eight jamaats.

Mughal-Library

Beemapally, Kerala, India

1857: A Masjid near the Custom House Battery in Delhi, following the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

Mughal-Library

56 stunning images from the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 (15)

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Military

(Number of images - 153)
Khan Jahan Lodi, a favourite of the Emperor Jahangir and the guardian of his eldest son, distrusted Shah-Jahan. Early in Shah-Jahan's reign he became openly rebellious and was consequently pursued by the imperial forces and eventually met his death on 3 February 1631. The artist depicts and brings the viewer close to the moment of execution. Even in death Khan Jahan is afforded the dignity of a high ranking official by being shown in profile view. In reality he had already been killed by a spear thrust by Madho Singh, the soldier wearing orange at the lower right-hand side of the picture. The heads of his son Aziz Khan and of two followers lie on the ground. These were later taken to the court at Burhanpur where Shah-Jahan had them mounted on the gate of the palace as a warning to other rebels. Around them hover blood-gorged flies emphasising the shocking reality of the scene. In complete contrast, the eye can feast on the painter's virtuosity, particularly in his meticulous study of plants and his treatment of fabric and armour. The Padshahnama text relates: 'When the misfortunate [Khan Jahan Lodi] saw that the approaching army would in no way leave him alone, he dismounted from his horse and began hand-to-hand combat with Madho Singh and the group of mace-bearers and others. During the struggles Madho Singh struck him with a lance. Most of his companions were killed, and the mace-bearers cut off the heads of those wrong-headed rebels.'

Mughal Library

The Death of Khan Jahan Lodi (3 February 1631)

AKBAR'S VICTORY OVER HEMU AT THE BATTLE OF PANIPAT MUGHAL STYLE AT KISHANGARH, NORTH INDIA, EARLY 18TH CENTURY Opaque pigments heightened with gold on paper, young Akbar rides a black male elephant, he wears a purple jama and a bejewelled turban, behind him his aid spears Hemu, the hands bound, lying on the ground, trampled by Akbar's elephant, officers and soldiers around, Hemu's wives lamenting before the scene, in the background the besieged city of Panipat, laid down on pink card with yellow, black and white rules, the reverse with identification text in Persian, devanagari script and English, framed and glazed. Although the scene depicted here is identified by later inscriptions in Persian and devanagari as Akbar's victory over Hemu, the Hindu ruler of north India, Mughal chronicles give a different account of Hemu's death. Hemu was defeated by the Mughal army at the second battle of Panipat in November 1556. As he was shot in the eye by an arrow during the battle, he was captured and brought unconscious to Akbar. He was later beheaded by Bayram Khan, one of Akbar's generals. There was no fortress in Panipat and the besieged fort appearing in the background of our painting is not part of the historical event. The women depicted by Hemu's body are probably his wives, lamenting over his death.

Mughal Library

AKBAR'S VICTORY OVER HEMU AT THE BATTLE OF PANIPAT

The Second Battle of Panipat was fought on 5 November 1556, between the Hindu emperor of north India, Hemu, and the forces of the Mughal emperor Akbar. Hemu had conquered the states of Delhi and Agra a few weeks earlier by defeating the Mughals led by Tardi Beg Khan at the Battle of Delhi and proclaimed himself Raja Vikramaditya at a coronation in Purana Quila in Delhi. Akbar and his guardian Bairam Khan who, after learning of the loss of Agra and Delhi, marched to Panipat to reclaim the lost territories. The two armies clashed at Panipat not far from the site of the First Battle of Panipat of 1526. Hemu and his forces held the numerical superiority. However, Hemu was wounded by an arrow in the middle of the battle and fell unconscious. Seeing their leader going down, his army panicked and dispersed. Unconscious and almost dead, Hemu was captured and subsequently beheaded by Bairam Khan. The battle ended in a decisive Mughal victory. Background Humayun, the successor of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire, had lost his inheritance when he was chased out of India by Sher Shah Suri who established the Sur Empire in 1540. Delhi and Agra fell into Sher Shah's hands, but he died soon after in 1545 at Kalinjar. He was succeeded by his younger son, Islam Shah Suri, who was a capable ruler. However, upon his death in 1554, the Sur Empire was caught up in a succession battle and was plagued by rebellion and the secession of provinces. Humayun made use of this discord to recapture what was lost and on 23 July 1555, the Mughals defeated Sikandar Shah Suri and finally regained control over Delhi and Agra. Islam Shah's rightful successor, his 12-year-old son, Firoz Khan, had been murdered by his maternal uncle, who had taken the throne as Adil Shah Suri. The new ruler was however, more interested in the pursuit of pleasure than in the affairs of his state. Those were largely left to Hemu, an old Hindu associate of Sher Shah Suri from Rewari, who had risen from humble circumstances to become both Adil Shah's Chief Minister as well as the general of the Suri army. He was in Bengal when Humayun died on 27 January 1556. The Mughal emperor's death provided an ideal opportunity to Hemu to defeat the Mughals and reclaim lost territory. Hemu started a rapid march from Bengal and drove the Mughals out of Bayana, Etawah, Bharthana, Bidhuna, Lakhna, Sambhal, Kalpi, and Narnaul. In Agra, the governor evacuated the city and fled without a fight upon hearing of Hemu's impending invasion. In pursuit of the governor, Hemu reached Tughlaqabad, a village just outside Delhi where he ran into the forces of the Mughal governor of Delhi, Tardi Beg Khan, and defeated them in the Battle of Tughlaqabad. He took possession of Delhi after a day's battle on 7 October 1556 and claimed royal status assuming the title of Vikramaditya (or Bikramjit). Prelude On hearing the disastrous news from Tughlaqabad, Humayun's successor, the 13-year-old Akbar and his guardian Bairam Khan soon set off for Delhi. In a stroke of luck, Ali Quli Khan Shaibani (later Khan-i-Zaman), who had been sent ahead with a 10,000-strong cavalry force, chanced upon Hemu's artillery which was being transported under a weak guard. He was easily able to capture the entire train of artillery from the Afghans who abandoned the guns and fled without making a stand. This would prove to be a costly loss for Hemu. On 5 November 1556, the Mughal army met Hemu's army at the historic battlefield of Panipat. Akbar and Bairam Khan stayed in the rear, eight miles from the battleground. Formation The Mughal army was led by Ali Quli Khan Shaibani with his 10,000 cavalry in the centre with Sikandar Khan Uzbak on the right and Abdulla Khan Uzbak towards the left. The vanguard was led by Husain Quli Beg and Shah Quli Mahram and included Bairam Khan's detachment of Turks. Hemu's army was numerically superior counting among its ranks a 30,000-strong cavalry force consisting of Afghan horsemen and an elephant contingent numbering 500. Each war elephant was protected by plate armour and mounted by musketeers and crossbowmen. Hemu led his army himself into battle, atop an elephant named Hawai. His left was led by his sister's son, Ramya, and the right by Shadi Khan Kakkar. His army was an experienced and confident lot and Hemu had, by this time, been victorious in 22 battles from Bengal to Punjab. In this battle however, Hemu had no artillery. Battle Hemu began the attack himself and loosed his elephants among the right and left wings of the Mughals. Those soldiers who were able to escape the rampage, rather than retreating, chose to veer to the sides and attack the flanks of Hemu's cavalry, pelting them with their superior archery. The Mughal centre also advanced and took up a defensive position before a deep ravine. Neither Hemu's elephant nor his horse units were able to cross the chasm to reach their opponents and were vulnerable to the projectile weapons being fired from the other side. Meanwhile, the Mughal cavalry on their swift mounts had made inroads into the Afghan ranks from the flanks as well as the rear and began targeting the elephants, either slashing at the legs of the great beasts or taking out their riders. Hemu was forced to pull back his elephants and the Afghan attack relented. Seeing the Afghan attack slackening, Ali Quli Khan led his cavalry out, circling around and falling upon the Afghan centre from the rear. Hemu, monitoring the battlefield from his howdah atop Hawai, immediately hurried to counter this charge. Even after seeing Shadi Khan Kakkar and another of his able lieutenants, Bhagwan Das, go down, he continued to lead counterattacks against the Mughals, running down any who challenged his elephants. It was a desperately contested battle but the advantage seemed to have tilted in favour of Hemu. Both the wings of the Mughal army had been driven back and Hemu moved his contingent of war elephants and cavalry forward to crush their centre. It was at this point that Hemu, possibly on the cusp of victory, was wounded when he was struck in the eye by a chance Mughal arrow and collapsed unconscious. Seeing him going down triggered a panic in his army which broke formation and fled. The battle was lost; 5,000 dead lay on the field of battle and many more were killed while fleeing. Aftermath The elephant carrying the unconscious and almost dead Hemu was captured after several hours of finishing the battle and led to the Mughal camp. Bairam Khan asked the 13-year-old Akbar to behead Hemu, but he refused to take the sword to a dead man. Akbar was persuaded to touch Hemu's head with his sword after which Bairam Khan executed him. Hemu's head was sent to Kabul to be hanged outside Delhi Darwaja, while his body was gibbeted on a gate in Purana Quila, Delhi, where he had his coronation on 6 October. Several supporters and relatives of Hemu were beheaded and a minaret was later erected. The painting of this minarette is one of the popular 56 paintings of Akbar's life in his copy of the Akbarnama. A memorial for Hemu was erected at the spot in Panipat where he was beheaded. It is now known as Hemu's Samadhi Sthal. With the passing of Hemu, Adil Shah's fortunes also took a turn for the worse. He was defeated and killed by Khizr Khan, son of Muhammad Khan Sur of Bengal, in April 1557. The spoils from the battle at Panipat included 120 of Hemu's war elephants whose destructive rampages so impressed the Mughals that the animals soon became an integral part of their military strategies.

Mughal Library

Second Battle Of Panipat

Battle of Samugarh, Jang-e-Samugarh, (May 29, 1658), was a decisive battle in the struggle for the throne during the Mughal war of succession (1658–1659) between the sons of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan after the emperor's serious illness in September 1657. The battle of Samugarh was fought between his sons Dara Shikoh (the eldest son and heir apparent) and his two younger brothers Aurangzeb and Murad Baksh (third and fourth sons of Shah Jahan). Dara Shikoh began to retreat towards Samugarh, about 10 miles (16 km) east of Agra, India, south of the Yamuna River, after Aurangzeb had defeated Dara Shikoh's forces during the Battle of Dharmat. Aurangzeb and his smaller but formidable army then flanked Dara’s fortified line along the Chambal River by finding a little-known and unguarded ford. The battle was fought during northern India's warmest season and Aurangzeb's men were on the march for a very long while. The army of Aurangzeb arrived with yellow banners and flags and fortified their position in front of the heir apparent. Dara Shikoh then tried to protect his rear flank by erecting massive red tents and banners. Dara Shikoh ordered his large cannons from Jaigarh Fort to be chained together (limiting their mobility), Zamburak's armed with swivel guns were positioned behind the cannons and infantry Sepoys armed with muskets defended both the cannons and the Zamburak (Aurangzeb also adopted this maneuver). However the experienced and accomplished Mughal general Mir Jumla II, positioned hidden cannons in strategic locations across the battlefield assuring Aurangzeb of successful grapeshot's and sudden assaults. Both Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh were seated on massive Elephant Howdahs and armed with Matchlocks. Aurangzeb's far left flank was commanded by Murad Baksh and his elite Mughal Sowars, the rest of the army was effectively under the command of Aurangzeb and his assisting imperial general Mir Jumla II, Murshid Quli Khan was assigned as the Mir Atish (artillery chief). Dara Shikoh on the other hand, divided his massive army, his far right was commanded by the Rao Raja Chattar Sal of Bundi, his main right was commanded by Rustam Khan Deccani who was well appointed by Shah Jahan, his elite Mughal Sowars were commanded by Khalilullah Khan an Uzbek commander, furthermore Dara Shikoh awaited the arrival of his son Sulaiman Shikoh commanding 40,000. Battle The battle began when Dara Shikoh ordered his cannons to start firing towards the army of Aurangzeb. Eventually both sides began to launch volley's against each other. Their artillery shelling had to be postponed due to brief raining. When the rains subsided both sides resumed firing. Angered by the cannon fire Murad Baksh and his Sowars began a swift charge into the far right flank of Dara Shikoh commanded by Chattar Sal without the orders of Aurangzeb. It is believed that Murad Baksh was a sworn enemy of Chattar Sal, they had both fought ferociously on the battlefield as the Sowars of Murad Baksh and the Rajput warriors of Chattar Sal decimated each other, Khalilullah Khan refused to aid the Rajputs and instead guided his forces to protect Dara Shikoh. Fearing the impending collapse of the Chattar Sal and the Rajput far right Rustam Khan Deccani, led a massive Sowar charge towards the cannon front of Aurangzeb in his attempt to flank and attack Murad Baksh from behind, but his efforts were met by ferocious cannon fire by Aurangzeb that eventually caused the death of Rustam Khan Deccani and many of Dara Shikoh's most important Sowars. Meanwhile, it is believed that Murad Baksh killed the Rajput second in command Ram Singh Rautela (Raja Rautela) by shooting an arrow from his composite bow, the arrow is known to have pierced the turban of Ram Singh Rautela and eventually rendered the Rajputs leaderless on the battlefield. When Dara Shikoh was informed about the death of Chattar Sal and that Murad Baksh had shot with an arrow Rustam Khan Deccani from his composite bow,[4] and the collapse of the Rajput infantry and the Deccan Sowars he immediately pushed towards their aid alongside Khalilullah Khan in an attempt to rout the wounded but very formidable Murad Baksh. But Dara Shikoh faced heavy bombardment by the cannon front of Aurangzeb, the bombardment even made its way into the cannon front of Dara Shikoh causing massive disarray among his ranks. Due to Aurangzeb's heavy bombardment Dara Shikoh decided to join Khalilullah Khan in the Cavalry. The outcome of the battle was decided when Dara Shikoh descended from his Elephant Howdah at the most critical moment of the battle, his elephant then quickly fled from the battlefield. Fleeing elephant was evidence enough for Dara Shikoh's troops who mistook this event to indicate his death. Thousands of Dara Shikoh's forces surrendered to Aurangzeb when the Mughal military band of Aurangzeb played the ode of victory. Many more Sepoys and Sowars fled only to take the oath of allegiance to Aurangzeb later on. Conclusion Although Dara Shikoh was the most powerful man in the Mughal Empire after his father Shah Jahan, he knew little about the art of war and military command. His loosely knit army eventually crumbled and even refused to aid each other. The ferocious assault by Murad Baksh was very successful, although he was eventually wounded and his horse was killed. Despite being surrounded by the Rajputs and the Deccan Sowars, Murad Baksh managed to protect himself and his Sowars until the end of the battle. He is also known to have killed Raja Rautela through his archery skills. When the battle ended Dara Shikoh and Khalilullah Khan fled towards Sulaiman Shikoh and Aurangzeb was declared the new Mughal Emperor. Aurangzeb then marched onwards to Agra which he besieged, however not until he closed down the city's water supply did his father Shah Jahan finally surrender. Shah Jahan was soon imprisoned in the Agra Fort. Later Khalilullah Khan swore an oath of allegiance to Aurangzeb as a Mansabdar. Eventually both Dara Shikoh and Sulaiman Shikoh were captured by the Afghan Malik Jiwan Khan, and handed over to Aurangzeb.[citation needed] Dara Shikioh was paraded through the streets of Agra and later declared a "Non-Muslim" during a smear campaign by Aurangzeb. He was later executed along with his son Sulaiman Shikoh. However Aurangzeb's woes had not ended until the year 1659, when another ferocious battle was fought between Aurangzeb and his elder brother Shuja during the Battle of Khajwa.

Mughal-Library

Battle of Samugarh

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Science

(Number of images - 28)
Object Details Title: Crutch Dagger (Zafar Takieh, "Cushion of Victory") with Sheath Date: 18th–19th century Culture: Indian, Mughal Medium: Steel, silver, gold, jade, ruby, turquoise, emerald Dimensions: L. with sheath 22 5/8 in. (57.5 cm); L. without sheath 18 3/4 in. (47.6 cm); W. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm); Wt. 12.3 oz. (348.7 g); Wt. of sheath 7.1 oz. (201.3 g) Classification: Daggers Credit Line: Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935 Accession Number: 36.25.1001a, b

Crutch Dagger (Zafar Takieh, "Cushion of Victory") with Sheath

Historical Context The treatise was written in the Persian city of Shiraz, for the patron and Buyid emir ‘Abud al-Dawla. Although al-Sufi made his longitudinal calculations correct for the year 964 only, the work remained highly influential, functioning as the standard text on Arabic astronomy to be consulted in all Islamic territories and faithfully copied for many centuries after its production. Since it was only correct for the single year of 964, the Book of Fixed Stars was intended to serve a broader educational purpose, rather than being concerned with the mathematical technicalities of astronomy. The Book of Fixed Stars is representative of the concerns of Islamic scholars during the late-9th to 11th Centuries AD, where following the translation of Hellenistic texts from Greek to Arabic, “Islamic astronomers and astrologers concentrated on analyzing, criticizing, and perfecting the geometrical models of Ptolemy.” Medieval Islamic astronomers also drew from Sanskrit and Middle Persian sources to learn "methods for calculating the position of heavenly bodies, and for creating tables recording the movement of the sun, the moon, and the five known planets." In the context of this shift to observational and theoretical astronomy set in motion by the translation movement, and with al-Sufi himself being an observational astronomer, the Book of Fixed Stars comprises an important organisation and revision of classical knowledge from antiquity (the first of its kind), and some of the earliest surviving examples of visual documentation of celestial bodies observable by the naked eye. The interest in cataloging the stars also stems from the nature of worship in Islam. The religion requires that its members are able to locate Mecca so that they may pray in the right direction, and to also be able to determine the correct times for prayer. In addition to the daily requirements, during the festival of Ramadan they must also know the moments of sunrise and sunset for fasting, and the fixed location of the moon for the start of each new month. The Book of Fixed stars also marks a trend of an increased production of illustrated manuscripts, as it is one of the oldest surviving treatise of its kind. This is not to say that this text was the first illustrated manuscript ever created, as there are many illustrated fragments that have been found and studied, most notably the Fustat fragments. The Fustat Fragaments are illustrated scraps of parchment that were found during excavations in Fustat, or Old Cairo. These fragments can be attributed to the stylings of the Fatimid period (969-1171), therefore dating the existence of astronomical illustrations to many years before the creation of The Book of Fixed Stars. The increase in illustrated manuscripts is also related to the advent of paper in the Islamic world in the tenth century. The increased availability of this material, which was much cheaper than the previously used parchment, drove the production of books in the Islamic world. Contents The book was thoroughly illustrated along with observations and descriptions of the stars, their positions (copied from Ptolemy's Almagest with the longitudes increased by 12° 42' to account for the precession), their magnitudes (brightness) and their color. Notably, al-Sufi improved upon Ptolemy's system for measuring star brightness. Instead of two brightness categories (‘more bright’ and ‘less bright’), al-Sufi employed three: AṢghareh (‘less’), Akbareh (‘greater’), and A’ẓameh (‘much-greater’). Ihsan Hafez has recorded 132 stars in al-Sufi's work not mentioned by Ptolemy. Al-Sufi's results, as in Ptolemy's Almagest, were set out constellation by constellation. For each constellation, he provided two drawings, one from the outside of a celestial globe, and the other from the inside. Al-Sufi's reasoning for this was that ‘the beholder might be confused if he saw the figure on the globe differing from what he sees in the sky’, demonstrating the book's use as a teaching device.[14] Persis Berkelamp argues that each paired constellation was drawn slightly differently to encourage students to study the manuscript closely. Introduction In his introduction, al-Sufi dedicates the work to his patron 'Abud al-Dawla and outlines the sources he has used to write the book. These sources, including a number of treatises and objects which are now lost, serve as important indicators and records of the knowledge ('ilm) production at the time. For instance, the introduction lists the names of 3 authors (Ibn Kunasa, Ibn al-'Arabi, Abu Hanifa al-Dinawari) and their treatises concerning pre-Islamic Bedouin traditions, all of which are now lost. Chapters The Book of Fixed Stars follows the 48 Ptolemaic constellations described in the Almagest, with a chapter dedicated to each individual constellation. Each chapter is split into 4 subsections. Ptolemaic constellations Each chapter begins with a description of the specified constellation and the stars that make up each grouping, thus departing from the Almagest and its concern for describing the iconographical origins of each constellation outline in Greek mythology.[17] Here, al-Sufi is often critical of Ptolemy for seemingly prioritising the constellation outline over the actual stars in a constellation grouping, with some stars being overlooked. In making these revisions, al-Sufi was able to determine the boundaries for each constellation's star grouping. Indigenous Arabic constellations Al-Sufi continues his description of the specified constellation in terms of the Pre-Islamic Bedouin constellations and star groupings, noting their positions and distance to the Ptolemaic constellation stars. Illustrations In this section, al-Sufi presents 2 different views/illustrations of the specified Ptolemaic constellations: the constellation viewed in the sky from the ground and the constellation as viewed on top of a globe. The latter view can be explained by accounts of al-Sufi's drawing process, whereby the author carefully fitted a thin sheet of paper on top of a celestial globe and then directly copied the constellation outlines and star positions from the engravings.[22][23] The inclusion of this globe view of each constellation also suggests that the Books of Fixed Stars was intended to be used by owners of celestial globes, and many surviving globes from the 13th and 14th Centuries include statements attesting to the treatise as an influential source. Although al-Sufi names several sources in his introduction which contributed to the book's illustrations, none of these treatises nor celestial globes survive. These illustrations represent another important departure from the Almagest which does not include any illustrations. Star Catalogue The book includes a comprehensive catalogue of the individual stars, modified and extended from that of the Almagest, and including revised star magnitude values.

KITAB SUWAR AL-KAWAKIB AL-THABITA (BOOK OF THE IMAGES OF THE FIXED STARS) OF AL-SUFI 23

Historical Context The treatise was written in the Persian city of Shiraz, for the patron and Buyid emir ‘Abud al-Dawla. Although al-Sufi made his longitudinal calculations correct for the year 964 only, the work remained highly influential, functioning as the standard text on Arabic astronomy to be consulted in all Islamic territories and faithfully copied for many centuries after its production. Since it was only correct for the single year of 964, the Book of Fixed Stars was intended to serve a broader educational purpose, rather than being concerned with the mathematical technicalities of astronomy. The Book of Fixed Stars is representative of the concerns of Islamic scholars during the late-9th to 11th Centuries AD, where following the translation of Hellenistic texts from Greek to Arabic, “Islamic astronomers and astrologers concentrated on analyzing, criticizing, and perfecting the geometrical models of Ptolemy.” Medieval Islamic astronomers also drew from Sanskrit and Middle Persian sources to learn "methods for calculating the position of heavenly bodies, and for creating tables recording the movement of the sun, the moon, and the five known planets." In the context of this shift to observational and theoretical astronomy set in motion by the translation movement, and with al-Sufi himself being an observational astronomer, the Book of Fixed Stars comprises an important organisation and revision of classical knowledge from antiquity (the first of its kind), and some of the earliest surviving examples of visual documentation of celestial bodies observable by the naked eye. The interest in cataloging the stars also stems from the nature of worship in Islam. The religion requires that its members are able to locate Mecca so that they may pray in the right direction, and to also be able to determine the correct times for prayer. In addition to the daily requirements, during the festival of Ramadan they must also know the moments of sunrise and sunset for fasting, and the fixed location of the moon for the start of each new month. The Book of Fixed stars also marks a trend of an increased production of illustrated manuscripts, as it is one of the oldest surviving treatise of its kind. This is not to say that this text was the first illustrated manuscript ever created, as there are many illustrated fragments that have been found and studied, most notably the Fustat fragments. The Fustat Fragaments are illustrated scraps of parchment that were found during excavations in Fustat, or Old Cairo. These fragments can be attributed to the stylings of the Fatimid period (969-1171), therefore dating the existence of astronomical illustrations to many years before the creation of The Book of Fixed Stars. The increase in illustrated manuscripts is also related to the advent of paper in the Islamic world in the tenth century. The increased availability of this material, which was much cheaper than the previously used parchment, drove the production of books in the Islamic world. Contents The book was thoroughly illustrated along with observations and descriptions of the stars, their positions (copied from Ptolemy's Almagest with the longitudes increased by 12° 42' to account for the precession), their magnitudes (brightness) and their color. Notably, al-Sufi improved upon Ptolemy's system for measuring star brightness. Instead of two brightness categories (‘more bright’ and ‘less bright’), al-Sufi employed three: AṢghareh (‘less’), Akbareh (‘greater’), and A’ẓameh (‘much-greater’). Ihsan Hafez has recorded 132 stars in al-Sufi's work not mentioned by Ptolemy. Al-Sufi's results, as in Ptolemy's Almagest, were set out constellation by constellation. For each constellation, he provided two drawings, one from the outside of a celestial globe, and the other from the inside. Al-Sufi's reasoning for this was that ‘the beholder might be confused if he saw the figure on the globe differing from what he sees in the sky’, demonstrating the book's use as a teaching device.[14] Persis Berkelamp argues that each paired constellation was drawn slightly differently to encourage students to study the manuscript closely. Introduction In his introduction, al-Sufi dedicates the work to his patron 'Abud al-Dawla and outlines the sources he has used to write the book. These sources, including a number of treatises and objects which are now lost, serve as important indicators and records of the knowledge ('ilm) production at the time. For instance, the introduction lists the names of 3 authors (Ibn Kunasa, Ibn al-'Arabi, Abu Hanifa al-Dinawari) and their treatises concerning pre-Islamic Bedouin traditions, all of which are now lost. Chapters The Book of Fixed Stars follows the 48 Ptolemaic constellations described in the Almagest, with a chapter dedicated to each individual constellation. Each chapter is split into 4 subsections. Ptolemaic constellations Each chapter begins with a description of the specified constellation and the stars that make up each grouping, thus departing from the Almagest and its concern for describing the iconographical origins of each constellation outline in Greek mythology.[17] Here, al-Sufi is often critical of Ptolemy for seemingly prioritising the constellation outline over the actual stars in a constellation grouping, with some stars being overlooked. In making these revisions, al-Sufi was able to determine the boundaries for each constellation's star grouping. Indigenous Arabic constellations Al-Sufi continues his description of the specified constellation in terms of the Pre-Islamic Bedouin constellations and star groupings, noting their positions and distance to the Ptolemaic constellation stars. Illustrations In this section, al-Sufi presents 2 different views/illustrations of the specified Ptolemaic constellations: the constellation viewed in the sky from the ground and the constellation as viewed on top of a globe. The latter view can be explained by accounts of al-Sufi's drawing process, whereby the author carefully fitted a thin sheet of paper on top of a celestial globe and then directly copied the constellation outlines and star positions from the engravings.[22][23] The inclusion of this globe view of each constellation also suggests that the Books of Fixed Stars was intended to be used by owners of celestial globes, and many surviving globes from the 13th and 14th Centuries include statements attesting to the treatise as an influential source. Although al-Sufi names several sources in his introduction which contributed to the book's illustrations, none of these treatises nor celestial globes survive. These illustrations represent another important departure from the Almagest which does not include any illustrations. Star Catalogue The book includes a comprehensive catalogue of the individual stars, modified and extended from that of the Almagest, and including revised star magnitude values.

KITAB SUWAR AL-KAWAKIB AL-THABITA (BOOK OF THE IMAGES OF THE FIXED STARS) OF AL-SUFI 22

Historical Context The treatise was written in the Persian city of Shiraz, for the patron and Buyid emir ‘Abud al-Dawla. Although al-Sufi made his longitudinal calculations correct for the year 964 only, the work remained highly influential, functioning as the standard text on Arabic astronomy to be consulted in all Islamic territories and faithfully copied for many centuries after its production. Since it was only correct for the single year of 964, the Book of Fixed Stars was intended to serve a broader educational purpose, rather than being concerned with the mathematical technicalities of astronomy. The Book of Fixed Stars is representative of the concerns of Islamic scholars during the late-9th to 11th Centuries AD, where following the translation of Hellenistic texts from Greek to Arabic, “Islamic astronomers and astrologers concentrated on analyzing, criticizing, and perfecting the geometrical models of Ptolemy.” Medieval Islamic astronomers also drew from Sanskrit and Middle Persian sources to learn "methods for calculating the position of heavenly bodies, and for creating tables recording the movement of the sun, the moon, and the five known planets." In the context of this shift to observational and theoretical astronomy set in motion by the translation movement, and with al-Sufi himself being an observational astronomer, the Book of Fixed Stars comprises an important organisation and revision of classical knowledge from antiquity (the first of its kind), and some of the earliest surviving examples of visual documentation of celestial bodies observable by the naked eye. The interest in cataloging the stars also stems from the nature of worship in Islam. The religion requires that its members are able to locate Mecca so that they may pray in the right direction, and to also be able to determine the correct times for prayer. In addition to the daily requirements, during the festival of Ramadan they must also know the moments of sunrise and sunset for fasting, and the fixed location of the moon for the start of each new month. The Book of Fixed stars also marks a trend of an increased production of illustrated manuscripts, as it is one of the oldest surviving treatise of its kind. This is not to say that this text was the first illustrated manuscript ever created, as there are many illustrated fragments that have been found and studied, most notably the Fustat fragments. The Fustat Fragaments are illustrated scraps of parchment that were found during excavations in Fustat, or Old Cairo. These fragments can be attributed to the stylings of the Fatimid period (969-1171), therefore dating the existence of astronomical illustrations to many years before the creation of The Book of Fixed Stars. The increase in illustrated manuscripts is also related to the advent of paper in the Islamic world in the tenth century. The increased availability of this material, which was much cheaper than the previously used parchment, drove the production of books in the Islamic world. Contents The book was thoroughly illustrated along with observations and descriptions of the stars, their positions (copied from Ptolemy's Almagest with the longitudes increased by 12° 42' to account for the precession), their magnitudes (brightness) and their color. Notably, al-Sufi improved upon Ptolemy's system for measuring star brightness. Instead of two brightness categories (‘more bright’ and ‘less bright’), al-Sufi employed three: AṢghareh (‘less’), Akbareh (‘greater’), and A’ẓameh (‘much-greater’). Ihsan Hafez has recorded 132 stars in al-Sufi's work not mentioned by Ptolemy. Al-Sufi's results, as in Ptolemy's Almagest, were set out constellation by constellation. For each constellation, he provided two drawings, one from the outside of a celestial globe, and the other from the inside. Al-Sufi's reasoning for this was that ‘the beholder might be confused if he saw the figure on the globe differing from what he sees in the sky’, demonstrating the book's use as a teaching device.[14] Persis Berkelamp argues that each paired constellation was drawn slightly differently to encourage students to study the manuscript closely. Introduction In his introduction, al-Sufi dedicates the work to his patron 'Abud al-Dawla and outlines the sources he has used to write the book. These sources, including a number of treatises and objects which are now lost, serve as important indicators and records of the knowledge ('ilm) production at the time. For instance, the introduction lists the names of 3 authors (Ibn Kunasa, Ibn al-'Arabi, Abu Hanifa al-Dinawari) and their treatises concerning pre-Islamic Bedouin traditions, all of which are now lost. Chapters The Book of Fixed Stars follows the 48 Ptolemaic constellations described in the Almagest, with a chapter dedicated to each individual constellation. Each chapter is split into 4 subsections. Ptolemaic constellations Each chapter begins with a description of the specified constellation and the stars that make up each grouping, thus departing from the Almagest and its concern for describing the iconographical origins of each constellation outline in Greek mythology.[17] Here, al-Sufi is often critical of Ptolemy for seemingly prioritising the constellation outline over the actual stars in a constellation grouping, with some stars being overlooked. In making these revisions, al-Sufi was able to determine the boundaries for each constellation's star grouping. Indigenous Arabic constellations Al-Sufi continues his description of the specified constellation in terms of the Pre-Islamic Bedouin constellations and star groupings, noting their positions and distance to the Ptolemaic constellation stars. Illustrations In this section, al-Sufi presents 2 different views/illustrations of the specified Ptolemaic constellations: the constellation viewed in the sky from the ground and the constellation as viewed on top of a globe. The latter view can be explained by accounts of al-Sufi's drawing process, whereby the author carefully fitted a thin sheet of paper on top of a celestial globe and then directly copied the constellation outlines and star positions from the engravings.[22][23] The inclusion of this globe view of each constellation also suggests that the Books of Fixed Stars was intended to be used by owners of celestial globes, and many surviving globes from the 13th and 14th Centuries include statements attesting to the treatise as an influential source. Although al-Sufi names several sources in his introduction which contributed to the book's illustrations, none of these treatises nor celestial globes survive. These illustrations represent another important departure from the Almagest which does not include any illustrations. Star Catalogue The book includes a comprehensive catalogue of the individual stars, modified and extended from that of the Almagest, and including revised star magnitude values.

KITAB SUWAR AL-KAWAKIB AL-THABITA (BOOK OF THE IMAGES OF THE FIXED STARS) OF AL-SUFI 21

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Art &

Calligraphy

(Number of images - 223)
Contributor: Antiqua Print Gallery / Alamy Stock Photo Image ID: T2M022 File size: 12.3 MB (0.5 MB Compressed download) Dimensions: 1798 x 2389 px | 30.4 x 40.5 cm | 12 x 15.9 inches | 150dpi Releases: Model - no | Property - no Do I need a release? This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.Seal of the Mughal Emperors. Artist / engraver / cartographer: Unsigned. Provenance: "Histoire Générale des Voyages, or new collection of all the accounts of voyages by sea and by land", in Paris, Chez Didot, with Approbation and Privilege du Roi. Type: Antique copperplate print. Date taken: 1752 Location: India.

Mughal Library

Seal of the Great Mogul, Aurangzeb

A CALLIGRAPHIC COMPOSITION BY BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR, INDIA, MID 19TH CENTURY Ink and gouache heightened with gold on paper, the bold black calligraphy filled with elegant white scrolling and flowering vine, the interstices with trefoils, palmettes and lozenges filled with scrolling arabesques, larger areas with similar decoration above and below, the bottom of the composition with a red inscription giving the name of the scribe as Muhammad Abu Zafar Saraj al-Din Bahadur Shah Ghazi, the panel within gold rules, later inscription below, the reverse with blue and red pencil annotations and a trade label, area of water staining. 11in. x 8½in. (28 x 21.5cm.) Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal Emperor of Delhi, and one of the most talented and tolerant of his dynasty. Born in 1775, when the British were still clinging to the Indian shore, he had in his lifetime seen the Mughals reduced to political insignificance as the British transformed themselves from vulnerable traders into an aggressive colonial government. Zafar was himself a mystic, poet, and calligrapher of accomplishment, but his finest achievement was to nourish the talents of two of the greatest Urdu poets: poet Ghalib (1797–1869), and his rival Zauq (1789–1854). While the British progressively took over more and more of the Emperor’s power, the court busied itself in obsessive pursuit of the most perfect Urdu couplet.

Mughal Library

Bahadur Shah Zafar : Calligraphy (3)

Arabic calligraphy of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor (r. 1837-1857), c. 1850. The talented Zafar, according to one observer, “was discussed in every house,” for “the Emperor himself was a poet and a connoisseur of poetry” and “the language of the exalted fort was the essence of refinement.” Zafar was also known for his skills as a gardener, a patron of miniatures, and a calligrapher.

Mughal-Library

Bahadur Shah Zafar : calligraphy (1)

Subject Headings - Shāh-i Zindah--Uzbekistan--Samarqand--1860-1880 - Tombs & sepulchral monuments--Uzbekistan--Samarqand--1860-1880 - Architectural decorations & ornaments--Uzbekistan--Samarqand--1860-1880 Headings Drawings--Color--1860-1880. Notes - Illus. in: Turkestanskīi al'bom, chast' arkheologicheskaia ..., 1871-1872, part 1, vol. 1, pl. 67. - Title from item. Medium 1 drawing : watercolor. Call Number/Physical Location Illus. in DK854.T87 1872, part 1, vol. 1, pl. 67, no. 166 (Case Z) [P&P] Repository Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print Digital Id ppmsca 13863 //hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca.13863 Library of Congress Control Number 2008676178 Reproduction Number LC-DIG-ppmsca-13863 (digital file from original photo) Rights Advisory No known restrictions on publication. Online Format image LCCN Permalink https://lccn.loc.gov/2008676178 Additional Metadata Formats MARCXML Record MODS Record Dublin Core Record

Samarkandskiia drevnosti. Grobnitsa sviatago Kussama ibni Abassa (Shakh-Zinde) i mavzolei pri nei. Mavzolei Sha-Arap. Chast' otdielki stieny

View All By

Years

and

Era

Our Image Collection

Others

(Number of images - 75)
The Daria-i-Noor (Persian: دریای نور‎ which means “Sea of light” in Persian), also spelled Darya-ye Noor, is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, weighing an estimated 182 carats (36 g). Its colour, pale pink, is one of the rarest to be found in diamonds. The diamond is currently in the Iranian Crown Jewels collection of the Central Bank of Iran in Tehran. DIMENSIONS It is 41.40 mm × 29.50 mm × 12.15 mm (1.630 in × 1.161 in × 0.478 in) and weighs around 182 metric carats. It is the world's largest known pink diamond. HISTORY This diamond, like the Koh-i-Noor, was mined in Kollur mine in Andhra Pradesh, India. It was originally owned by the Kakatiya dynasty, later it was possessed by the Khalji dynasty of the Delhi Sultanate and to Mughal emperors. It was part of Shah Jahan's Peacock Throne. In 1739, Nader Shah of Iran invaded Northern India, occupied Delhi. As payment for returning the crown of India to the Mughal Emperor, Mohammad, he took possession of the entire fabled treasury of the Mughals, including the Daria-i-Noor, in addition to the Koh-i-Noor and the Peacock Throne. After Nader Shah's death in 1747, the diamond was inherited by his grandson, Sharukh Mirza. From there, it fell into the hands of the Lotf Ali Khan. After Lotf Ali Khan's defeat at the hands of Mohammad Khan Qajar, who established the ruling Qajar dynasty of Iran, the Daria-i-Noor entered the Qajar treasury. During this time, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar was said to be very fond of the diamond, often wearing it as an armband, aigrette, or a brooch and maintenance of the diamond was an honor bestowed upon higher ranking individuals. POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION In 1965, a Canadian team conducting research on the Iranian Crown Jewels concluded that the Daria-i-Noor may well have been part of a large pink diamond that had been studded in the throne of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, and had been described in the journal of the French jeweller Jean-Baptiste Tavernier in 1642, who called it the Great Table diamond ("Diamanta Grande Table"). This diamond may have been cut into two pieces; the larger part is the Daria-i-Noor; the smaller part is believed to be the 60-carat (12 g) Noor-ul-Ain diamond, presently studded in a tiara also in the Iranian Imperial collection.

Mughal Library

Daria-i-Noor (Sea of Light)

Plaque at Kashmiri Gate, commemorating the attack on it on 14 September 1857 Capture of Delhi, 1857. The British and Company forces were disordered. Many British officers had been killed or wounded, and their units were now in confusion. The British foothold included many of the liquor stores and over the next two days, many British soldiers became drunk and incapacitated on looted spirits. However, the rebel sepoy regiments had become discouraged by their defeats and lack of food, while the irregular mujahhadin defended their fortified compounds with great determination but could not be organised to make a coordinated counter-attack. Wilson eventually ordered all liquor to be destroyed, and discipline was restored. Slowly, the attackers began to clear the rebels from the city.

They captured the magazine on 16 September. Another Victoria Cross was earned here, by Lieutenant Thackerey for extinguishing a fire in the magazine, whilst under musket fire. Bahadur Shah and his entourage abandoned the palace on 18 September, and a British force captured the great mosque, the Jama Masjid, and the abandoned palace the next day. They also captured the Selimgarh Fort, attached to the palace and dominating the bridge of boats over the River Yamuna. Most rebels who had not already left the city now did so before the Company forces captured all the gates and trapped them. The city was finally declared to be captured on 21 September. John Nicholson died the next day. Aftermath.

Mughal-Library

Plaque at Kashmiri Gate (Siege of Delhi in 1857)

This carpet, with its pictorial depiction of trees, birds, and animals, is conceived like a textile with a repeat design in which each unit reverses the direction of the preceding one. The ibexes, Chinese mythological beasts called qilins, and animals in combat, are derived from Safavid Persian art, as is the border design of cartouches and star-shaped medallions with cloud bands. The palm tree, however, is a very Indian feature, as is the generally naturalistic drawing of the flora and fauna and the bright red color of the field. The relationship to Persian carpet design dates this example to the early Mughal period, soon after the first carpet workshops were established by the emperor Akbar in Lahore, Agra, and Fatehpur Sikri.

Carpet with Palm Trees, Ibexes, and Birds

Of all the varieties of Mughal glass known, this milky white color constitutes the rarest type. The painted decoration in gold and silver (now darkened) displays flowering shrubs enclosed in oval compartments, laid out in a radiating pattern, a classic Mughal decorative scheme that is also seen in contemporary metalwork. Object Details Title: Footed Bowl and Plate Date: first half 18th century Geography: Made in India Medium: Glass, opalescent white; blown, bowl with applied stem and blown applied foot, fired silver and gold decoration Dimensions: Bowl - H. 4 3/4 in. (12.1 cm) W. 8 in. (20.3 cm) Dish - Diam. 10 in. (25.4 cm) Classification: Glass Credit Line: Purchase, Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon B. Polsky Fund and The Annenberg Foundation Gift, 2000 Accession Number: 2000.490a, b

Footed Bowl and Plate

View All By

Years

and

Era

MUGHAL IMAGES

The Mughal Images immediately took a much greater interest in realistic portraiture than was typical of Persian miniatures. Animals and plants were the main subject of many miniatures for albums and were more realistically depicted. To upload your images click here.

The
Mughal Library brings readers of our history and related subjects on one platform. our goal is to share knowledge between researchers and students in a friendly environment.


 

bottom of page