The imperial Mughal practice of keeping portraits of animals
was adopted by art patrons and collectors in small states and
kingdoms under the umbrella of the Mughals. Falconry, the
sport of hunting small game with a bird of prey, was a popular
activity among the highest ranks of Mughal royalty. The
falcon depicted in this painting appears to be a peregrine.
Cords with bells keep the trained hunting bird tethered to its
roost.