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From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II

Khalilullah Butshikan (Persian, active in India 1596–c. 1620)1618

The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, United States

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  • Title: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 42 from the Kitab-i Nauras (Book of Nine Essences) of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II of Bijapur (r. 1580–1627); verso: From Dohras (Songs) 40 and 36 from the Kitab-i Nauras of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II
  • Creator: Khalilullah Butshikan (Persian, active in India 1596–c. 1620)
  • Date Created: 1618
  • Type: Painting
  • Rights: CC0
  • External Link: https://clevelandart.org/art/2013.284
  • Medium: ink with two-tone gold on paper, double-sided
  • Inscriptions: Deccani Urdu (Karnati) lyrics in nasta‘liq script: . . . because being itself a sea of knowledge, it could know good omens from the bad ones. Ibrahim is praying for its long life and prosperity. Give a patient hearing and listen to the description of the nine essences, which I am just giving to you. Its rhythm is chatak sam, its note is madhyam. It is very creative. Ibrahim sings and plays and attracts and forgets to have attachment to wealth and riches. (after Ahmad 1956, 116–17, 141–42); Verso: Deccani Urdu (Karnati) lyrics in nasta‘liq script: We are the true devotees of Shiva, and our devotion and attachment to him are daily towards increase. “Karnati” is a lady of surpassing beauty, with white complexion resembling kevra flower, is dressed in a blue sari and a yellow bodice. Her hands resemble the white esculent lotus in tenderness, and the eyes are similar to the ordinary lotus in attraction. It is the spring season, and the Indian cuckoo, sitting on the heavenly tree is vociferating. The lady who is suffering from the pangs of separation is advised not to be grieved, for her lover would soon arrive.” (after Ahmad 1956, 114–16, 140–42)
  • Department: Indian and Southeast Asian Art
  • Culture: India, Bijapur, Deccan
  • Credit Line: Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection
  • Collection: Indian Art
  • Accession Number: 2013.284
The Cleveland Museum of Art

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