Portret van Raja Bhao Sing Rajput, die vizier van Aurangzeb is geweest c. 1686

This is a portrait of Raja Bhao Sing Rajput, who was vizier to Aurangzeb, made by an anonymous artist. During Aurangzeb's reign in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Mughal empire saw territorial expansion as well as increased religious tensions. Here, Raja Bhao Sing Rajput is depicted holding a spear, which shows his status as a military leader. The pearls and detailed floral patterns on his orange robe are further indicators of his wealth and power within the Mughal court. As a Rajput serving in the Mughal empire, Raja Bhao Sing Rajput existed in a complex intersection of cultures and identities. How does this portrait reflect the relationships between local leaders and the Mughal empire? How did individuals navigate issues of identity and allegiance in this historical context?