Portret van Dara Shikoh, de oudste zoon van Shah Jahan, die in de tijd van zijn vader regeerde over de provincie Delhi; na de dood van zijn vader heeft Aurangzeb hem gedood en is zelf heerser van Delhi geworden c. 1686

This is an anonymous portrait of Dara Shikoh, crafted with opaque watercolor on paper. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, was a figure of immense political and cultural importance in 17th-century India. The painting offers insight into the complexities of identity, power, and succession within the Mughal dynasty. Dara Shikoh is depicted with symbols of authority, yet his eventual defeat and execution by his brother Aurangzeb underscores the fragility of power. The artwork subtly weaves together narratives of masculinity and cultural heritage. Dara Shikoh's refined attire and accouterments reflect the opulence of the Mughal court, while his intellectual and spiritual pursuits challenged orthodox norms, representing an alternative vision of leadership that prioritized inclusivity. Ultimately, the portrait invites us to contemplate the human dimensions of historical figures, and the interplay of personal ambition, cultural values, and political realities.