Uploaded July 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
A timely presentation by Curator Dr. Marika Sardar shows a 17th-century painting depicting a “doctors’ office” from a Mughal-era manuscript made in northern India. Inspired by verses from the poet Sa‘di’s most famous poem, “The Bustan" or “The Orchard,” which appear at the top, the artist has produced a meticulously detailed scene: one doctor checks the pulse of a patient; others compound medicines with a mortar and pestle; and a group in the centre consults textbooks and offer various opinions on a case. And just like today, there also appear to be people waiting to get in!
To learn more about the artwork (Accession number AKM284.7): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/various-medical-opinions-akm284.7
Bringing online Museum experiences to you is part of our mission to connect cultures and promote understanding between peoples. To learn more about how you can support the Museum by making a donation or becoming a Friend or Patron, please visit: agakhanmuseum.org/support
A timely presentation by Curator Dr. Marika Sardar shows a 17th-century painting depicting a “doctors’ office” from a Mughal-era manuscript made in northern India. Inspired by verses from the poet Sa‘di’s most famous poem, “The Bustan" or “The Orchard,” which appear at the top, the artist has produced a meticulously detailed scene: one doctor checks the pulse of a patient; others compound medicines with a mortar and pestle; and a group in the centre consults textbooks and offer various opinions on a case. And just like today, there also appear to be people waiting to get in!
To learn more about the artwork (Accession number AKM284.7): agakhanmuseum.org/collection/artifact/various-medical-opinions-akm284.7
Bringing online Museum experiences to you is part of our mission to connect cultures and promote understanding between peoples. To learn more about how you can support the Museum by making a donation or becoming a Friend or Patron, please visit: agakhanmuseum.org/support
