Shah Jahan Tieing the Sehra on Prince Data Shikoh1635 AD.
Prince Dara Shikoh was not only the Crown Prince, but was Shah Jahan's favourite son. Here Shah Jahan is shown tieing the 'Sehra' on the face of the prince. Interestingly the sehra is the same one, made out of pearls and gems, which Shah Jahan had worn when he married Mumtaz Mahal. It was a family heirloom. In this painting we also see Aurangzeb standing, second from Shah Jahan, towards the right side of the painting. Ironically the battle between Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb over the Mughal throne would seal the fate of Hindustan. But this painting has caught the happier moments of the royal family.
The artist has cleverly divided the painting into two parts: the upper for the royal figures, the lower for the group of dancers and courtiers. This depicts the social division of the medieval society. Yet, it is the lower group who is full of life and gaiety. The women are dancing with free abandonment. Joy of life is confined to the lower strata; ceremonies, to the upper strata. So is life.
The artist has cleverly divided the painting into two parts: the upper for the royal figures, the lower for the group of dancers and courtiers. This depicts the social division of the medieval society. Yet, it is the lower group who is full of life and gaiety. The women are dancing with free abandonment. Joy of life is confined to the lower strata; ceremonies, to the upper strata. So is life.
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