A Man receiving food from a Begum (Laila-Majnu)

This Deccani miniature renders a scene from Nizami’s (12th Century CE) “Laila and Majnu,” a legendary love story from Khamsa-e-Nizami. A popular subject across Mughal, Deccani, and Rajasthani miniature art, this tale richly blends divine love, longing, and visual symbolism.

This richly detailed painting portrays an emaciated Majnu seated beneath a tree, clad only in a loincloth. He is surrounded by serene wilderness. Regally robed in a golden lotus design, adorned with pearls and crowned with a lotus, Laila approaches.

This evocative piece captures the enduring power of love and loss, set against the backdrop of nature’s quiet embrace.