A Drowsy Courtier Reading by Candlelight

signed by Naqi

ca. 1630

ink, opaque watercolour, and gold on paper

Aga Khan Museum

A man in traditional clothing kneels on a patterned rug, leaning against large cushions. He holds prayer beads and appears to be dozing while reading an open book next to a lit candle on a stand. A man in traditional clothing kneels on a patterned rug, leaning against large cushions. He holds prayer beads and appears to be dozing while reading an open book next to a lit candle on a stand. Further Reading During the first half of the 17th century, the Mughals were still powerful across the Indian subcontinent, including the Deccan. However, apart from Mughal Indian culture, the strongest cultural influence on Deccani art was Iranian. The three sultanates of the Deccan—Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda—were influenced by additional artistic developments, as Deccani rulers also retained strong ties with the Ottomans and Uzbeks.