BALCHAND
The exhibition of New Year gifts (March 1631).
1656-57RCIN 1005025.o
f.72b: presentation of Prince Dara-Shikoh's wedding gifts (plate 14)
The wedding festivities of Prince Dara Shikoh began with a display of the imperial presents in the Hall of Public Audience at Agra on 4 February 1633. This was organised by Jahanara Begam, Shah-Jahan's eldest daughter, who had assumed the position of first lady at court following the death of her mother Mumtaz Mahal. Prince Dara-Shikoh stands at the left of the jharoka with his youngest brother, Muradbakhsh. In the space below the jharoka the presents are displayed on a white patterned cloth. They included: 'precious gems and jewelled items, gold and silver utensils and various sorts of brocades, various rugs, carpets, canopies, and other things from the workshop suitable to mighty Emperors. All the above mentioned items [were laid out] in an arrangement that astonished jaded world-travellers.' Asaf Khan, Shah-Jahan's Prime Minister and the grandfather of the bridegroom (his daughter was Mumtaz Mahal), stands to left of centre, wearing a cream and gold robe.