Code: 11428
Dimensions:
"Sultana Chand Bibi (1550-1600) Hunting on Horseback with a Falcon"
Deccan School Miniature Painting
Gouache and ink on paper
Central India
Probably 20th Century in the 17th Century Mughal Style
Measures:-
22 cm high x 11 cm wide
A depiction of the legendary Deccani figure, Sultana Chand Bibi (1550-1600). She is portrayed hunting on horseback with a falcon resting on her right wrist. Calligraphic couplets in Persian written above and below the image.
Sultana Chand Bibi was the daughter of Sultan Husain Nizam Shah I of Ahmadnagar (reigned 1553–1565). She is now idealised as having been one of the most intelligent, accomplished, influential and enlightened leaders of her era.
Chand Bibi married to Sultan Ali Adil Shah I of Bijapur (reigned 1558–1580), after the assassination of her husband, she acted as a regent to his heir, her nine year old nephew by marriage, Ibrahim Adil Shah II (1570-1627). Once his reign was secured, she returned to Ahmadnagar where she again became a regent and led her people to resist Mughal advances. She died in the defence of the city in 1600, following the treacherous actions of various of her courtiers, thus becoming a romantic heroine.
The image of this courtly warrior queen was popular in Deccan culture.
