The Battle of Samugarh c. 1658

Curator: This is a piece attributed to Payag, entitled "The Battle of Samugarh," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. The dimensions of the sheet are roughly 28.5 by 38.5 centimeters. Editor: It feels almost like a map, teeming with figures and events. The use of space is intriguing, the way the battle unfolds in these circular vignettes. Curator: The work depicts the pivotal battle in the Mughal war of succession. It's not just a military record; it's a snapshot of power dynamics, familial strife, and political ambition. The rendering of each combatant, each elephant, speaks to the artistic labor involved. Editor: Yes, and considering the presumed labor, the subdued palette seems to mute the violence, emphasizing the strategic deployment of resources, the elephants, the armaments. Curator: It is interesting to explore the historical context of Mughal power, how such scenes were commissioned and consumed, particularly in relation to gender, class, and the construction of power. Editor: Indeed, reflecting on the means of production and the social position from which it was created adds a fascinating layer. Curator: Thank you. I appreciate how this conversation can broaden our understanding. Editor: A pleasure. It's fascinating how close attention to material and making can illuminate the social reality of the past.