Prisoners and messengers before the ruler of Khutalan, Folio from a manuscript of Nigaristan

Author: Ahmad

1573-74 CE/980 AH/AH 980

Ink, opaque watercolour, and gold on paper

Aga Khan Museum

A group of men present severed heads to a seated ruler in an interior setting with patterned walls and floor. Several figures are kneeling or seated, while others stand. A group of men present severed heads to a seated ruler in an interior setting with patterned walls and floor. Several figures are kneeling or seated, while others stand. Further Reading Illustrated is a passage from a detailed description of a city called Ḫutalān in the sphere of influence of the Chinese rulers. The size and order of the city as well as the discipline, wisdom and strictness of the ruler of Ḫutalān are particularly emphasized in the description, which is intended to present a counter-image to the conditions in the Islamic region as the author sees them. The illustration shows the prisoners from the newly conquered re