Jehangir's Lion Hunt

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Lion hunt has been for centuries one of the most favourite themes of Indian miniature paintings, whether the Mughal or Rajasthani. This painting in late Mughal style follows just this convention of lion hunt paintings. A painting of circa 1600 attributed to the Mughals court artist Suradasa portraying prince Daniyal hunting a lioness with his spear, now with Victoria Albert Museum, London, is one of the earliest miniatures on the theme of lion hunt. As in the painting here, in the 1600 version of the lion hunt prince Daniyal is attacking the lioness with his mighty spear whereas an associate riding the elephant besides him shoots at the animal an arrow. The lioness in fury makes a counter attack and catches hold of one of the legs of their elephant. This same tradition has been continuing through out the 17th, 18th and 19th century with this variation or that.

The prince killing the lion with his spear here in this painting has great resemblance with prince Jahangir of younger days. It is the same Jahangiri turban and a similar costume. The excitement on his face, excited as he should have been, has somewhat squeezed it, but the likeness is not lost. Different from Suradasa's earlier version the lion in this painting has been portrayed fleeing. Landscape is conventional, the same hills, far off sky, a pool or lake and a patch of semi-green land. Jahangir carries the usual spear and the associate a bow and arrows. The expression of excitement on the faces of the prince and his associate and that of agony and plight on the face of the lion have been powerfully conveyed. Use of dark colours, expression of movement and perspective effects are outstanding features of the painting.

This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.