lustrations from the 1636 Padshahnama of Shah Jahan showing Moghul Soldier & Civilian Costume. Shah-Jahan ascended the Mughal throne after the death of Jahangir on 8 November 1627. This painting depicts a durbar held as part of his formal accession ceremonies staged at the Agra Fort the following spring. The bird in the shamsa of the canopy above the Emperor’s head represents the huma, the auspicious bird of paradise. According to Iranian tradition, whoever’s head the huma bird flies over will become a great king. The gold platform in front of Shah-Jahan is where the mullah will come to read the khutba (‘Friday sermon’) in the Emperor’s name for the first time as a declaration of his sovereignty. This will then be issued to mosques across the empire’s provinces to inform them of Shah-Jahan’s accession.