Firman of Dara Shikoh

Unknown

dated A.H. 1059/1649–50 CE · Ink on paper · Islamic Art

This royal decree begins with the phrase ‘Bismillah’, or ‘In the name of God’, written in red ink. The two blocks of red text directly below are the tughras (imperial handsigns) of Shah Jahan and of his son and heir apparent Dara Shikoh, who was later killed in the struggle for succession. The main text of this document is written in nasta‘liq script and refers to a petition by Ghairat Khan requesting the aid of Shah Jahan.

Artist

Unknown

Date

dated A.H. 1059/1649–50 CE

Medium

Ink on paper

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of Terence McInerney, 1997