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Khalis repays the prince for his kindness by changing into a snake and sucking the poison from the king’s daughter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night — Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

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Written by: Burcu ArslanSpecialist · Miniature Painting
Miniature Painting · Catalogue no. 20437
Anonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)

Khalis repays the prince for his kindness by changing into a snake and sucking the poison from the king’s daughter, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Eighteenth Night

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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The prince looks on in amazement as his snake companion resumes his original form and saves the life of the princess, who was dying from a poisonous snake bite. The snake owed the prince a favor, since the prince had cut a piece of his own flesh to feed him and his mate. After the girl was restored to health, the prince married her and became viceroy to the king. His three companions, Good Fortune, the snake, and the frog, having fulfilled their obligation, then bid him farewell.

Artist / MakerAnonymous, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Datec. 1560
Culture / OriginMughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605)
Mediumgum tempera, ink, and gold on paper
DimensionsOverall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); Painting only: 6.5 x 10.2 cm (2 9/16 x 4 in.)
DepartmentIndian and Southeast Asian Art
TypePainting
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Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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