The Book of Kings
The Shahnama (or Shahnameh), which translates to 'The Book of Kings', is a lengthy Persian epic poem composed by the poet Ferdowsi (also known as Firdausi) between 977 and 1010 CE. It is a chronicle of the mythical and to some extent the historical past of the Persian Empire.
A long poem
The poem, consisting of approximately 50,000 to 60,000 couplets, depicts Iran's creation and chronicles the reigns and deeds of Persian kings and heroes, encompassing four dynasties: the Pishdadians, Kayanians, Ashkanians, and Sasanians and is the national epic of Greater Iran.
Stories of battles
It features stories of battles, struggles between good and evil, love, humour, and the supernatural. It includes legendary treatment of historical figures like Alexander the Great.The poem was written by Abu al-Qasem Ferdowsi who spent over 30 years composing it.
Cultural impact
The Shahnama significantly influenced Persian culture, language, and national identity, and continues to be read and recited today. The poem played a role in preserving the Modern Persian language, which remains remarkably similar to the language used by Ferdowsi.
A vast influence
It tells of the mythical and historical past of Persian Empire from the creation of the world until the Muslim conquest in 7th century. Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Dagestan, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan celebrate this epic.
The text
Firdawsi’s text is centered on the reigns of fifty monarchs (including three women) and can be divided into a legendary and a quasi-historical section. It begins with the reign of Kayumars at the dawn of time and concludes with the last Sasanian king, Yazdigird 632–651 A.D(see image)
The mythical past
At the dawn of creation, during the reign of the Pishdadians, the first dynasty, social order and religion (Zoroastrianism) were established. Fierce conflicts between the forces of good and evil— continued for centuries as heroic kings battled evil demons.
The Time of Legendary Heroes
One of the principal themes concerns kingship and the relationship between sovereigns and their subjects. The poem became an emblem of royal power and legitimacy, and a kind of didactic handbook for young princes and rulers. Rulers of Iran commissioned manuscripts of Shahnama.
The recorded histories
The last section of the epic, which corresponds with other written historical records, takes place during the rule of the Sasanian kings—a dynasty that ends with the Islamic conquest of Iran by the second Muslim caliph 'Umar.
Shahnama's key figures
The Shahnama is populated by heroes like Rustam, known for his strength, and villains like the evil Zahhak. Other key figures include Fereydun, Keyumars, the first king of Iran, Zal, and Simurgh, a mythical wise bird. The image shows Rustam and Isfandiyar in combat.
The Salar Jung Museum collection
The museum has interesting illustrated folios from the Shahnama-e-Firdausi and paintings related to characters in the Shahnama.
Lets take a look !
Rustam riding on horseback (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Rustam- Hero of Shahnama
Rustam, the Shahnama's most celebrated hero, embodies strength, courage, and loyalty as a protector of Iran. This 18th-century Deccani miniature shows him on horseback with a lance.
Simurgh (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
The wise Simurgh
This 19th-century Deccan painting from India depicts the Simurgh, a mythical bird, raising the abandoned Zal. The Simurgh's wisdom shapes Zal's character, as told in the Shahnama.
Zal and the Simurgh on the Mount Qaf (1370/1370)Salar Jung Museum
Zal and the Simurgh
This 14th-century painting from a Shahnama depicts the Simurgh abducting Zal. The artwork, created under the Jala'ir rule in Tabriz, is now housed in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Turkiye.
Illustration from Shahnama (1600/1699)Salar Jung Museum
Shahnama illustration
This 17th-century Deccani painting from the Shahnama depicts a prince attended by two figures, showcasing the artistry inspired by the epic poem.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
Frontispiece of a Shahnama-e-Firdausi
This ornate 16th-century frontispiece, created in India's Deccan region, introduces a Shahnama manuscript with gold illumination and elegant Nastaliq script.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, written in Nastaliq script, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A battle-scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi depicting the death of Sohrab in the hands of Rustam, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi depicting Rustam killing the White Demon (Div-e Sepid), from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A battle-scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
Folio from a Shahnama Folio from a Shahnama (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
A scene from Shahnama
Painted folio from Shahnama-e Firdausi, written in Nastaliq script, from Persia, dated to the 16th century.
From the Shahnama
What matter this world’s griefs and joys to thee
When thou art gone and parted far by time ?
The Shah survived not this event for long.
He died: the world bewailed him. Biizurjinilir Veiled his own visage in the dust
within Four se'n nights of the passing of the Shah,
Who left behind this record when he went.
Be thy part to preserve his monument, For since the turning sky proved so unfair
To him expect no love or justice there. And now the crown and throne I decorate Of Shah Hurmuzd, and seat him on the state.
as translated by Arthur George Warner and Edmond Warner. 1905.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References –
1. The Shahnama of Firdausi, tr. Arthur George Warner and Edmond Warner, London -Kegan Paul, Trench, Turbner and Co Ltd, 1923.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahnameh (accessed 25.07.2025)
3. https://www.britannica.com/facts/Shah-nameh(accessed 25.07.2025)
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