Question

Deccan painting from your syllabus shows two great Sufi personalities.
(i) Name this Deccan painting and one human value you learn from it.
(ii) Briefly describe the posture and attire (costume) of the figures.

Hint:

In Deccani Hyderabad paintings, the use of a simple terrace backdrop with a small garden and sky in the distance helps focus the viewer's attention on the quiet, spiritual connection between the teacher and his student.

Answer 1

Step 1: Identifying the Painting and Human Values (Part i):

• Title of the Painting: Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau
• Sub-School: Hyderabad sub-school (Deccan School)
• Period: c. 1750-1770 AD

Core Human Value Conveyed:
The painting illustrates the beautiful bond of respect, loyalty, and devotion within the Guru-Shishya Parampara (the sacred teacher-disciple relationship). It shows that true spiritual wisdom is passed down through love, deep humility, and absolute surrender to one's spiritual guide.

Step 2: Describing Posture and Attire (Part ii):
The two figures are positioned to reflect their spiritual roles and deep respect for each other:

• Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (The Sufi Saint):
  • Posture: He sits in a comfortable, cross-legged posture on a yellow carpet, leaning back against a large bolting cushion on a terrace. His face is framed by a glowing white halo (prabhamandala), his hand is raised gently in a blessing, and his long white beard reflects his age and wisdom.
  • Attire: He wears a simple, unadorned green robe (Choga) and a white turban, representing the Sufi values of simplicity and inner peace.
• Amir Khusrau (The Devoted Disciple):
  • Posture: He sits respectfully in a lower position directly in front of his master, kneeling as he plays a musical string instrument (a sitar or veena) to offer his devotion through music.
  • Attire: Khusrau wears a patterned, long-sleeved dress (angarakha) and a colorful turban. His waist is wrapped in an ornate sash (patka), representing the courtly fashion of the period.