NDLI: Shield of Emperor Akbar

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Shield of Emperor Akbar

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Shield of Emperor Akbar

Content Provider	Indian Culture
Organization	Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
Temporal Coverage	1593 AD
Description	Historical Significance :- In the Mughal army, which mainly relied on its cavalry, the shield was a part of the swordsman's equipment. When being used, it was carried on the left arm and was slung over the shoulder when not being used. Shields were usually made of steel or hide and were generally from 17 to 24 inches (430 to 610 millimeters) in diameter. The ones which were made of steel were usually ornamented profusely with the process of damascening in gold. The hide shields bore silver or gold bosses, crescents, or stars. The soldiers belonging to the Brahmin caste carried shield made of several folds of silk cloth which were colourfully painted. Cultural Significance :- The decorations on the shield give evidence of the eclecticism of Emperor Akbar. Both the contemporary literary sources, the Akbarnama, and the Ain-i-Akbari, mention Akbar's great interest in Indian Astrology. Besides, Akbar's faith in the sun is well known. The workmanship of the shield speaks of the art of damascening, which consisted of inlaying different metals into one another, typically, gold or silver into a darkly oxidized steel background, to produce intricate patterns. Artistic Significance :- This shield is made of steel with gold damascening. Although a utilitarian piece, yet it was decorated, befitting the Emperor’s stature. The decorations on the shield run in three circular bands. There is an effulgent sun in the center, with four damascened bosses around it. Between the upper and the left side boss, is an inscription placed in a star. The outer band around the center has a bold meandering pattern. The next band has representations of twelve Zodiac signs. The name of each sign is mentioned in the oval panel next to it. Interestingly, the human figures in the signs of Gemini, Virgo, and Aquarius are shown in European costume which has led the scholars to ascribe a later date to this shield. However, it is possible that this foreign element could have been copied from European engravings that had been gifted to Akbar by foreign visitors. The evidence, that this shield belonged to Emperor Akbar, comes through an inscription on the shield which says, Buland Iqbal Shahanshah Akbar, year AH 1002. However, some scholars have contested the authenticity of the inscription. Style :- Mughal
File Format	JPG / JPEG
Language	English
Publisher	Sir Ratan Tata Collection
Access Restriction	Open
Subject Keyword	Ain i Akbari Akbarnama Mughal Army Indian Astrology
Content Type	Image
Resource Type	Photograph

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