Maharaja Suraj Mal with a hawk

Gouache with gold on paper.

Suraj Mal (r.1613-1618) was an early Nurpur ruler who died in exile after rebelling against the emperor Jahangir. In this posthumous portrait of the jharoka window type, the veteran warrior strokes the breast of his prize hawk. Pahari rulers were often portrayed with a hawk or falcon, as a mark of their hunting prowess and regal demeanour.

To view a high-resolution version of this image and for further information please visit the Yousef Jameel Online Centre at the Ashmolean.