AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF THE MUGHAL MINIATURES;
OF QUEEN SAHIB JAMAL REVEALED IN RENOVATION,
OF HER  MAUSOLEUM IN THE BAGH ANARAN LAHORE.

Historians are of many kinds. There are those who go after the truth and solidify the same for the future. And there are those who falsify the truth with distorted repugnant tales in effort to degrade famous people, particularly Muslim Kings and Queens. The Western visitors to India Hindustan were no  exceptions to the rules. They delved in spreading lies about the Muslim rule in Hindustan. They had the help of Indian so called storytellers, who spun tales, particularly in the 19th century. The most bizarre sex stories were spun, and these Western misgots perhaps were obsessed with Oedipus Complex for incest was in their mind all the time. Mughal Princesses like Jahan Ara, Roshan Ara, Zebunisa, were all victims of such slandering on part of these fanatics, who had no access to the Royal Courts, and picked up gossip in the bazaar, or spun their own versions. The Story of Anarkali is one of them.

Someone thought finally renovating the Mausoleum of so called Anarkali , and even dug the place where she was supposed to be buried. No structure, not even the bones. C. Grey had revealed in an article that the bones were taken out when the Church was being made AND  BURIED UNDER THE LEFT TURRET WHERE THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE STILL THERE. Someone check it out. Our concern was the revealed portraits of Queen Sahib Jamal on the walls surrounding her sarcophagus. A first of a kind in Mughal history. Only six are revealed so far and there may be even more. Certainly Emperor Jahangeer devoted to his beloved wife the Turkish Princess Sahib Jamal would have chosen the best artists of his time for the same. But that record is certainly missing as even the mention of the Mausoleum. Although a cross reference is available about the death of infant son of Dara Shikoh, buried in the garden of Sultan Pervaiz, son of Sahib Jamal, mistakenly considered as the Mausoleum of Prince Pervaiz, when he is buried in his own mausoleum in Agra. Of course Sahib Jamal was daughter of Khawaja Hasan of Herat, and died in Lahore, on her way back, after an illness. A miniature exists with infant son Pervaiz, as also her dying days in a miniature from Jahangeer album. The revealed works are a bonus of history.

SJ 1

Sahib Jamal has a black spotted (perhaps stars) veil on her head, and a black/brown band on her forearm, and raises her both hands in a typical; gesture of prayer, as exemplified in Muslim rituals. Mughal women and queens are often shown with crowns and flamboyant head dresses, but the austerity in this work is indeed remarkable. And unique in all ways. Simplicity and innocence is best shown in this way.

SJ 2

In this portrayal again the simplicity of a covered head, plus a black swan in her hands. The beak reveals the swan, otherwise it could be a faded background. No mistakes, she is carrying a bird. Maybe her favourite pet.

SJ 3

A black dress and possibly a gold head covering (faded) but the band is indeed golden. And with her Royal share of necklaces, befitting a Queen of her stature. A Royal portrait in full flair, but again a covered head.

SJ 4

Face clearly visible with an aquiline nose. In her hand she holds a small bowl, and in her other hand a stem of flowers. She looks younger in this portrait, of an earlier time. Reputation is that she died at the age of 27 years.

SJ 5

Simple yellow dress and holding a flower in her right hand, and an utensil in her left hand, maybe a small cup. Black means brass cup.

SJ 6

An orange dress with a faded head covering, perhaps a sort of crown. Holding in her hand something, which cannot be seen. Obviously some sort of head dress is there but only the lines can be seen. Its background colour gone.

Restoration of the Mausoleum is a big task. But put the Bones of Shah Jamal back for proper burial, and select renowned artists to repaint the frescoes. These six rarest portrayals of Queen Sahib Jamal only bring two emotions in looking at them. Happiness in their survival, and curse to those villains who destroyed Mughal aesthetics and put a shadow on its abundant Culture. Conquest does not mean obliterating the culture of an entire nation. But what can we expect from these bigots. Those who were ready to dismantle the Taj Mahal itself for selling its marbles in Italy. Even stole its gold pinnacle and replaced it with a bronze one. They came to teach us culture, and forgot the basics of ours.