Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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Discover the layers of story and drama detailed in this illustrated manuscript depicting a scene from the epic poem Hamzanama (Adventures of Hamza).

The epic is inspired by popular legends recited by storytellers about the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, Amir Hamza, who spreads the word of Islam as he travels the world and encounters a wondrous spectrum of characters, from kings and nobility to handmaidens, giants, fairies, and dragons.

The illustrated version of the epic was commissioned by Mughal emperor Akbar in 1562 and was a monumental undertaking, ultimately encompassing 14 volumes with 1,400 paintings by Indian and Iranian artists, less than 150 of which survive today.

Step into this epic tale of cunning foes and loyal friendships to hear the story unfolding on the page, as well as the history behind the making of the monumental manuscript to which this magnificent work belongs.

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