Naubat Khan playing a been

2009.333

Naubat Khan playing a been

2009.333

Description

A plump Naubat Khan is standing crossed-legged and playing a Rudra Veena (stringed instrument). He is wearing a striped pajama and translucent muslin jama. An inscription on the top identifies him as Naubat Khan, the son-in-law of Tansen, (famous musician of Emperor Akbar’s court).

Originally named Ali Khan Karori, Naubat Khan was bestowed with this title by Emperor Jehangir. Both Tansen and his son-in-law, Naubat Khan were the great exponent of Indian classical music and had acquired a high position in the court of Emperor Akbar and Jehangir respectively. Their status is proven by the fact that there are many individual portraits available of both of them in various collections. It was not very common to commission the portrait of musicians against the emperors and their affluent noblemen. The museum also has a portrait of Miya Tansen in its collection.

Karl and Meherbai Khandalavala Collection.

Collection

Indian Miniature Paintings

Object Type

Drawing

Material

partially painted line drawing Material: pencil and charcoal??

Schools/Culture/Period

Mughal

Technique

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Date

End of 16th Century CE or Early 17th Century CE

Location

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Dimension

5.8 x 13.8 cms.