What a brilliant way to introduce Moghul miniature paintings to a child!

If asked, 'Is it possible to get a child interested in Moghul miniature art?' Some would say, difficult and some might even say - Impossible. But, by weaving in the art through an adventure of the legendary hero, Amir Hamza, the authors have successfully done just that.

The story begins with the young emperor Akbar, who loved stories so much that he took his favourite court storyteller, Darbar Khan, with him wherever he went, even to the battle field! Just as a backdrop on the stage changes during the course of a play, so also, the story-teller used dfferent scrolls as the story unfolded. These scrolls, illustrating the exciting tales from the Persian epic, the Hamzanama, were especially commissioned by the young Emperor - 1400 of them, of which unfortunately we are told, only 200 have survived today.

Amir Hamza, a kind and fearless nobleman, set off to rescue famished peasants of a neighbouring land, who were being harassed by a mercenary landlord. To teach him a lesson, the Amir suggested that they stop working in the landlord’s fields. Soon, the crops withered and the landlord realising his folly, was forced to make amends. Thrilled by his sagacity and wisdom, the Princess offered him her own hand in marriage, but alas, before the marriage could take place, Prince Hamza was kidnapped by his arch enemy – Sharashob.
How he was rescued forms the rest of the story.

The unique thing about this book is that the paintings have not just been reproduced as illustrations. Instead, the child is pulled right into the scene as some details are highlighted and explained, with the result that one actually understands and appreciates the subtle nuances of miniature art.

A glossary expounding the origins of the various dyes used in the by-gone days is also fascinating.

Hard bound and printed on glossy art paper, this book is a wonderful introduction to miniature paintings not just for children, but adults, as well.