Arjuna Slays Karna, from a copy of the Razmnama 1616 - 1617

This Mughal painting, made without a known date, depicts a scene from the Razmnama, the Persian translation of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The image illustrates the moment Arjuna slays Karna. We see Arjuna on the left, with Karna facing him on the right. The vibrant colors and detailed figures are characteristic of Mughal painting, reflecting the wealth and sophisticated artistic patronage of the Mughal court. But it is not just about wealth, it also shows the empire's social and religious context. The translation of the Mahabharata into Persian under Akbar was part of a broader project of cultural synthesis, aimed at integrating Hindu and Muslim traditions to reinforce the legitimacy of Mughal rule in India. By studying patronage records and social commentaries, we can see how art was deployed to negotiate cultural and political identities. The role of the historian is to reveal the complex interplay between artistic expression and institutional power.