Firman of Dara Shikoh
Unknown Artist
dated A.H. 1059/1649–50 CE
Medium
Ink on paper
Dimensions
H. 32 13/16 in. (83.3 cm) W. 16 5/8 in. (42.2 cm)
Classification
Codices
Department
Islamic Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Terence McInerney, 1997
Accession Number
1997.205
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Firman of Dara Shikoh*, a majestic imperial decree from the Mughal Empire, dated A.H. 1059 (1649–50 CE). Crafted by an unknown artist in ink on paper, this towering document measures over 32 inches in height, underscoring its ceremonial grandeur. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Islamic Department and classified as a codex it exemplifies the refined administrative artistry of 17th-century South Asia. Issued during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, the firman bears the name of his eldest son, Dara Shikoh—a prince renowned as a scholar and patron of the arts. At this pivota...