• The painting titled “Krishna Lifts Mount Govardhan” comes from a dispersed Harivamsa Purana and is dated between 1585–90.
• The artwork is attributed to the artist Miskin.
• It currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.
• Harivamsa Purana and its Mughal Connection
• The Harivamsa Purana is among several Sanskrit manuscripts translated into Persian under Mughal patronage.
• Badauni, a prominent scholar and noble at Akbar’s court, was entrusted with translating this specific volume on Lord Krishna into Persian.
• It’s worth noting the contrast between Badauni’s orthodox religious views and the more liberal perspectives of Abul Fazl, another renowned scholar in Akbar’s court.
• The central figure in the painting is Hari, or Lord Krishna.

The artwork depicts the iconic scene where Krishna lifts the Mount Govardhan

• This heroic act was done to shield the villagers, their livestock, and all creatures living on the mountain from a torrential downpour unleashed by the deity Indra.
• Krishna uses the mountain as an enormous umbrella, providing refuge for the entire village beneath it.

• The painting titled “Falcon on a Bird Rest”   is the creation of the renowned Mughal artist Ustad Mansur.
• Ustad Mansur was honored with the title “Nadir ul Asr” by Emperor Jahangir.
• The artwork is currently housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, USA.
• Emperor Jahangir had a keen interest in falcons and often added exquisite specimens to his collection.
• His passion extended to having these magnificent birds painted, with the images subsequently incorporated into his official biography, the “Jahangirnama”.

A Memorable Falcon Episode

• Jahangir recounted a notable incident involving a falcon gifted by the Persian emperor, Shah Abbas.
• Tragically, this falcon was attacked and killed by a cat.
• Following the falcon’s death, Jahangir expressed his wish for his court painters to immortalize the bird in art, ensuring its memory would endure for future generations.
• Ustad Mansur’s “Falcon on a Bird Rest” from 1615 stands as a testament to the Mughal Empire’s rich artistic heritage and Jahangir’s deep appreciation for both art and falconry.