Unknown Maker, Indian

An illustration that accompanied a copy of the Mughal emperor Babur’s memoirs, this image shows the king overseeing work in his garden. Noting that there was a stream winding its way around the garden, the emperor ordered for its course to be altered to enhance the beauty of the landscape. Pictured beside the river with both his arms outstretched as he engages with workers, Babur is given voice by the inscribed text above, which describes his order. Text and image function together here as a historical record.