A PORTRAIT OF THE DERVISH MUNYA SHAH

Depictions of Sufi saints were common in 17th century Mughal painting. Akbar was widely admired for his interest and tolerance of other faiths. After Akbar, Jahangir continued his father’s policy of religious tolerance. Shah Jahan’s elder son, Prince Dara Shikoh had a keen interest in Sufism and mystical aspects of religion and is known to have often frequented gatherings of holy men. He commissioned Mughal artists to paint portraits of ascetics and dervishes and is often himself the subject, seated amidst Sufis.