Bishan Das

Bishan Das was one of the most skilled painters in the court of emperor Jahangir who recognized his skill and sent him on a diplomatic mission to Persia to make portrait of the Shah and his chief courtiers. He remained in Persia from 1613 to 1620. On his return, taking note of his excellent work, Jahangir honored him with an elephant. Many portraits of the Mughal nobles are attributed to Bishan Das. He also gave his contribution to the book of fables, Anwār-e Suhaylī (“The Lights of Canopus”) . He is also said to make many albums of the finest portraits of the emperor. Despite being a Hindu, his contribution to Mughal painting is unparalleled in his times. Jahangir is said to have praised him as “unequalled in his age for taking likenesses”. The first dated painting of Bishan Das is of Raja Suraj Singh in 1608. His paintings were known for very informative and lively details of the scenes shown behind the portraits. Although women would not make any public appearances, his paintings would being out the excitement of ladies behind the curtain at a major harem event etc. Such details won him many praises from the emperor.