Portret van Bara Malik; hij is eerst vizier geweest van de sultan die over de stad Bidar regeerde (?); later werd hij heerser van Golconda en heeft hij Golconda gesticht c. 1686

This is an anonymous portrait of Bara Malik, created with watercolor on paper. Bara Malik, who served as vizier before becoming the ruler and founder of Golconda, is depicted with a soft halo, lending him an almost saintly appearance. The painting offers insight into the political landscape and the visual culture of the time. As a ruler, Bara Malik navigated a complex web of power, and this portrait subtly reflects his authority and identity. His attire, while ornate, hints at the blending of cultures and the negotiation of power through visual representation. Although anonymous, the artist has left us with an image that invites reflection on leadership, power, and the historical narratives we construct around figures like Bara Malik. The slight melancholy in his eyes perhaps hints at the burdens of leadership.