William Dalrymple in The Anarchy describes the English envoy’s ungracious acknowledgement that the Indian Mughals were less than impressed by the fledgling nation’s glory. The painting by court artist Bichitr shows the Sultan listening attentively to a ragged Sufi, while ignoring the supplicants
This episode’s Blazer of Glory is the sultan’s jewellery, described in glowing terms by the English envoy Roe, despite his distaste for Indian mores, especially their recognition of the value of poverty as a spiritual quality. Hear the description on Soundcloud, below.
Dalrymple emphasises the inferior positioning of King James 1st in the lower left hand corner of the painting.