Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings

This is a painting done in the miniature style by Mughal court painter Bichitr, ca. 1615-18. The Mughal emperor Jahangir is shown holding court atop an ornate hourglass throne. The golden hourglass, European in design, highlights the global contact between Europeans and the Mughal Empire. It also eludes to Jahangir being a kind of messianic ruler ushering in a new era for the Mughal Empire by his prominent position on top of the timekeeping instrument. The cosmological halo around Jahangir's head further reinforces the emperor's divinity. On the left-hand side of the painting are four men attending Jahangir's court. Moving from top to bottom the four individuals are a Sufi Shaikh, the Shah of Persia, King James I of England, and then a self-portrait of Bichitr. The Sufi holy man commands Jahangir's undivided attention, despite the presence of the other two powerful monarchs. This further highlights the emperor’s strong religious connections. Bichitr's depiction of the Shah and King James I situated well below Jahangir’s throne emphasizes the power of the Mughal Empire as Jahangir’s imposing figure looms over the other monarchs.