Portrait of Shah Raju II

Rasul Khan

ca. 1670 – 80

opaque watercolour on paper

Aga Khan Museum

A man in traditional attire rides a white horse against a green background. The horse is adorned with decorative trappings, and the rider holds the reins and a sword. Further Reading This portrait attributed to Rasul Khan is executed in a style influenced by both Mughal and Deccan portraiture (particularly that created in Bijapur). Complete with luxurious textiles, high-quality saddles, and richly decorated harness fittings, it depicts Shah Raju II, the spiritual guide of Sultan Abu’l Hasan of Golcanda, whose Deccan kingdom was famous for its diamond mines. In Raju’s mount, a powerful horse with graceful head and robust body, this painting also presents a masterful animal portrait. Naturalistic details such as steam emanating from the horse’s mouth emphasize the animal’s d