Distribution of Gifts by Emperor Babur, Encamped in Begram

Currently not on view

Distribution of Gifts by Emperor Babur, Encamped in Begram

c. 1589

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

Babur, the first Mughal emperor (ruled 1526-30), was a Muslim born in modern Uzbekistan (central Asia) and a descendent of the Turkish conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) and the famous Mongol leader Genghis Khan. The Baburnama is a diary-like chronicle of Babur's life, including his invasion of northern India and the founding of the Mughal dynasty. This page was part of a manuscript of the Baburnama translated from Chugtai Turkish into Persian; it was the earliest of five manuscripts illustrated for Babur's grandson, the Emperor Akbar. The early Mughal emperors were fascinated with preserving, in words and images, the details not only of their own reigns and their daily lives at court or in battle, but also the lives and deeds of their ancestors.

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Object Details

Title:

Distribution of Gifts by Emperor Babur, Encamped in Begram
Page from a dispersed manuscript of the Baburnama (Book of Babur)

Date:

c. 1589

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Indian or Pakistani

Medium:

Opaque watercolor and gold on paper

Dimensions:

Image: 9 3/8 × 5 3/8 inches (23.8 × 13.7 cm) Sheet: 13 5/8 × 9 inches (34.6 × 22.9 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

The Samuel S. White 3rd and Vera White Collection, 1956

Accession Number:

1956-93-2

Geography:

Made in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty (1526-1858) Reign: Akbar (1556-1605)

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Currently not on view