Portrait of Prince Muhammad Buland Akhtar (known as Nur Achhe Sahib) at Prayer 1675 - 1775

Bhojraj painted this portrait of Prince Muhammad Buland Akhtar in prayer. Observe the halo encircling the Prince’s head, an ethereal symbol of divine favor and spiritual enlightenment. This radiant halo is not unique to Islamic art. We see it echoed across cultures and centuries, from early Christian iconography, where it signifies sainthood, to ancient Greek depictions of gods and heroes. It is almost as if the human subconscious recognizes and universally expresses a reverence for the extraordinary. However, its usage here transforms the Prince into a figure of not just royal, but also spiritual authority, deeply imbuing the image with layers of meaning and emotional resonance. Consider how this symbol of holiness transcends cultural boundaries, reappearing in various forms throughout history, each time adapting to the spiritual and cultural narratives of its age. Its enduring presence speaks to our collective, perhaps subconscious, fascination with divinity and reverence.