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Illustration of an Indian woman holding a flower
This exhibition is in the past. View our current exhibitions.
ABD AL-HAMID LAHAWRI

Padshahnamah پادشاهنامه (The Book of Emperors) ‎‎

1656-57

RCIN 1005025

The Padshahnama was disbound and its paintings removed from the manuscript 25 years ago for conservation purposes. Ten of the manuscript’s paintings are on display in the main gallery. The bindings, pages of text and the silk cover in which the Padshahnama was sent to George III are usually stored separately in the Royal Library but they have been brought together for this exhibition.

The text of the Padshahnama is a combination of Persian prose and verse written in an ornate style. The long introduction narrates the Mughal imperial genealogy from Timur to Jahangir. This manuscript is signed by the Mughal calligrapher Muhammad Amin of Mashhad who has written the names of Emperor Shah-Jahan’s ancestors in gold ink.

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.