Basawan. Battle of rival ascetics. Akbarnama, ca. 1590, V&A Museum, Basawan, Circa 1590-1595

Basawan. Battle of rival ascetics. Akbarnama, ca. 1590, v&a museum. This painting is from the akbarnama (book of akbar). It is the right side of a double-page composition by basawan, an artist at the mughal court. The left side can be found at file:battle between sannyasis at thanesar, left side. Jpg. Together these two paintings depict a battle between sannyasis (hindu holy men) at thanesar in north-west india. This illustration a double-page composition designed by basawan, has details painted by tara the elder. It depicts a battle between two sects of sannyasis (hindu devotees) over right to bath first in the water body at thanesar in north-west india, battle is being watched by the mughal emperor akbar (r. 1556–1605) on horseback, accompanied by his entourage. Date: Circa 1590-1595. Collection: Victoria and Albert Museum.