"Amr has the Infidels Thrown into the Sea", Folio from a Khavarannama (The Book of the East) of ibn Husam al-Din 1451 - 1511

This vibrant folio is from a Khavarannama, or Book of the East, created in the 15th century by Maulana Muhammad Ibn Husam ad Din. This narrative painting reflects the social and political tensions of the time, specifically the conflicts between Islamic and non-Islamic communities. The stark visual narrative depicts a scene of religious violence, where ‘infidels’ are being thrown from a ship into the sea. This act of dominance is contextualized by the book’s broader themes of religious war and conquest. It echoes the historical clashes and power dynamics between different religious and cultural groups. How does this depiction challenge or reinforce societal hierarchies? The emotional weight of the scene is palpable, from the figures struggling in the water to the apparent indifference of those on the ship. The painting offers a glimpse into a complex history marked by both religious fervor and brutal conflict, inviting us to reflect on the human cost of ideological clashes.