Portret van Shuja, de zoon van Shah Jahan, die na Dara Shikoh is geboren en in de tijd van zijn vader regeerde over Bengalen; na de dood van zijn vader heeft Aurangzeb hem gedood en Bengalen in bezit genomen. c. 1686

This painting of Shuja, son of Shah Jahan, was created by an anonymous artist. Shuja ruled Bengal during his father's reign, before being killed by Aurangzeb, who then seized Bengal. The image presents us with multiple layers of meaning embedded in visual codes and historical associations. It invites us to consider the dynamics of power, succession, and territorial control within the Mughal Empire. Bengal's governance by Shuja during Shah Jahan's rule highlights the political landscape of the time, influenced by familial ties and imperial ambitions. Aurangzeb's subsequent actions reflect a period of conflict and consolidation of power, underscoring the fluid nature of political authority in the 17th century. Understanding the work’s historical context involves delving into the court dynamics, military campaigns, and administrative policies that shaped the Mughal Empire, drawing on sources such as chronicles, biographies, and official documents.