Payag – Nasiri Khan Directing the Siege of Qandahar, May 1631: Folio from the Windsor Padshahnama Metropolitan Museum: part 2
Metropolitan Museum: part 2 – Payag - Nasiri Khan Directing the Siege of Qandahar, May 1631: Folio from the Windsor Padshahnama
Payag: active mid-17th century ca. 1633; India (Mughal court at Agra); Opaque watercolor, ink and gold on paper; Page: 22 15/16 x 14 7/16 in. (58.2 x 36.7 cm)Image: 12 5/8 x 9 in. (32.1 x 22.9 cm)Mounted: 32 x 24 in. (81.3 x 61 cm)Framed: 35 3/4 x 27 11/16 x 1 in. (90.8 x 70.4 x 2.6 cm)
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Here we see a commanding figure on horseback positioned in the foreground, gesturing towards the besieged structure. He is surrounded by an entourage of similarly adorned soldiers, all mounted and armed. The detail afforded to their attire – elaborate armor, turbans, and weaponry – indicates high status and military authority. A vibrant banner, prominently displayed near the central horseman, likely signifies his allegiance or command.
The landscape itself contributes significantly to the narrative. The terrain is uneven, with a sloping ground leading up to the fortress walls. Smoke billows from various points around the structure, suggesting active bombardment or fires within the city. A small body of water appears in the lower left corner, providing a limited visual respite from the intensity of the battle scene.
The artist employed a palette that emphasizes earth tones – ochres, browns, and greens – for the landscape, contrasting with the brighter colors used for the soldiers’ clothing and armor. The sky is rendered in muted blues and grays, contributing to an atmosphere of tension and impending conflict.
Subtleties within the scene hint at a complex power dynamic. While the central figure appears to be directing operations, the sheer scale of the fortress and the number of defenders suggest a protracted and challenging siege. The inclusion of numerous soldiers on both sides implies significant resources committed to this military endeavor. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos – a meticulously orchestrated display of military might intended to convey authority and dominance.