For a closely related painting by the artist Mir Kalan Khan, see John Seyller, Eva and Konrad Seitz Collection of Indian Miniatures, Zurich, 2010, cat.20, pp.75-77. Mir Kalan Khan executed that painting early in his career, probably in Delhi, circa 1735.

This painting depicts the popular story of Baz Bahadur and Rupmati. Baz Bahadur was the Muslim sultan of Mandu, in Malwa (north India) in the mid-16th century. He fell in love with a Hindu shepherdess called Rupmati when he heard her singing while he was out hunting — she was known for her beautiful voice and musical skills. Their romance lasted until Baz Bahadur’s army was defeated by the Mughals a few years later. He was so in love with her that he neglected his affairs and his army, prompting his defeat against Emperor Akbar’s Mughal army. Before being captured, Rupmati consumed poison and died to avoid losing her honour if captured by the Mughal general. Their love story is celebrated in many paintings depicting them hunting and riding.