Hanging

The wealthy elite in the Islamic world spent many pleasurable hours in beautiful and fragrant gardens that were central to palace spaces. Pavilions and tents erected in gardens provided a respite from the scorching heat of summer. Splashing fountains and cool breezes provided an effective air-conditioning system.

In this Mughal miniature, the ruler Jahangir enjoys the natural setting, sitting outdoors in a delicate and beautifully appointed pavilion with two attendants. The artist has rendered the garden in some detail, with distinct trees in the background, a blue sky with clouds floating by, and a carpet of flowers bordering the path leading to where Jahangir sits. An elaborately carved grille surrounds the pavilion, and Jahangir reclines against a large cushion placed on a carpet with intricate designs. From his elevated position, the ruler looks down on figures who converse with him, likely courtiers or additional attendants. All the figures in the painting wear luxurious silk garments in an array of patterns; the only simply dressed figure is the attendant who whisks away flies from the Mughal emperor. Conducting state business from a garden pavilion was normal in the Islamic world. Rulers erected elaborate architectural structures in magnificent garden settings to serve as private retreats and as locations for political discussions and royal ceremonies.