Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c12.236

c12.236

One of Mr. Tagore's latest compositions, "Aurangzîb examining the Head of Dara," is reproduced in Plate LXXV., and the dramatic power with which he has treated this tragic episode in Mogul history will show the versatility of his art. The crafty bigot, Aurangzîb, after imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan, has at last succeeded in removing the chief impediment to the security of his throne, his eldest brother, Dara Shikoh, by having him despatched in prison. The murdered man's head has been brought to Aurangzîb while he is reclining at ease on a marble bench in the Agra palace. He puts down his Quran and rosary, and, uncovering Dara's head with the tip of his jewelled sword, nonchalantly examines the features of the ghastly trophy, to assure himself that the brother he has supplanted will trouble him no more.