Darbar of Aurangzeb

This durbar (also anglicized as darbar) scene takes place under a canopy, against a blue-sky background. The emperor Aurangzeb is seated upon a golden throne, studded with jewels. Behind him is a striped bolster. He is holding a bird, variously identified as a hawk or a falcon. He has with him a shield and a sword. These, along with his trained bird-of-prey, emphasize his martial prowess.^[3][2] The 63-year-old emperor is the only figure to display no signs of aging.^[5]

The figure closest to the emperor, identified as Azam Shah, is wearing a vest made out of golden brocade. He wears a falconer's gauntlet, as if preparing to receive the bird from the emperor. This is a metaphor, symbolizing Azam Shah's status as heir apparent.^[5] The presence of Azam Shah's son Bidar Bakht before the emperor also points to his elevated status. The boy's liveliness contrasts with the formal portrayal of the other figures.^[5][3]

To the left of Azam Shah is his elder brother Mu'azzam, who has a characteristic white streak in his beard. Finally, at the far left is Shaista Khan, an important nobleman and uncle to the emperor.^[5][3]

Behind the emperor's throne is the prince Muhammad Kam Bakhsh. Holding a fly-whisk, he is depicted as an adolescent, with a hint of a moustache forming above his lips. On the far right is Ashraf Khan, a nobleman who served as paymaster general.^[5]

Stuart Cary Welch calls the work "of stunning quality", and notes that despite Aurangzeb's aversion to art as a result of his religiosity, some of the best Mughal paintings were made during his reign.^[3] John Seyller says that the painting has become "the iconic image of Alamgir and his reign".^[5]