Hamza-Nama

The heroic epic about the Persian rebel leader Hama was popular in India, even with the Mughal Emperor Akbar (1542–1605)
Overwhelming reds dominate the 140 miniatures, which exhibit a fascinating opulence
Genre scenes, architectures, landscapes, public scenes, and more reflect life in India under Mughal Rule

Hamza-Nama

Vol. LII/1 Vol. LII/2 Österreichisches Museum für angewandte Kunst (Vienna, Austria) / Victoria and Albert Museum (London, United Kingdom)

Description

Hamza-Nama

One of the most popular stories in India was the so-called Hamza Romance, a heroic epic about a Persian rebel leader active at the time of Caliph Harun al Rashid. The story takes the hero through the wide lands of the East and all is illustrated with an incredible wealth of illumination. A magnificent reflection of India during the period of Mogul rule.

Hamza-Nama

The so-called Hamza Romance deals with the legendary heroic deeds of Hamza, a Persian rebel leader active at the time of Caliph Harun al Rashid. Hamza performed truly wondrous deeds in a number of fascinating lands such as Ceylon, China and Central Asia. The stories recounting his heroic life were highly popular in India and even the Mogul Emperor Akbar is said to have read them with great enthusiasm.

140 Thrilling Large-Format Miniatures

The dominating element of the large-format miniatures is their coloring, particularly the overwhelming number of red tones. In addition, the viewer is fascinated by the sheer wealth of figures, with a multitude of movements dramatically enhancing the narrative in a truly explosive fervor. Other pictures, however, show only a few large figures in motion which appear as segments full of expressive power. In addition to the main narrative, the pictures are filled with fascinating genre scenes, architectural and landscape depictions, public scenes, exuberant vegetation, and the pomp of the courtly entourage of the Mogul sovereign. The book thus constitutes a magnificent reflection of India during the period of Mogul rule.

Codicology

Alternative Titles: Hamza Romance
Hamza-Roman
Type: Manuscript on paper
Origin: India
Date: Before 1579
Epochs: Late Middle Ages Onwards
Style: Other Styles / Unknown
Genre: Literature / Poetry
Artist / School: Moghul School

Available facsimile editions:

Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1974

Limited Edition: 99 copies

Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1974

Limited Edition: 99 copies

Detail Picture

Hamzanama

Hamza Bound Before Lakman's Throne

Dressed in a patterned red tunic with a white cap and belt, Hamza is shown bound and kneeling before the throne of Lakman, who is surrounded by the members of his court. Lakman appears to be cloaked in the fur of a leopard or tiger. The leafy tree sprouting up behind Hamza indicates that they are in a garden. Walled gardens were an important feature of Persian palaces going back to antiquity and philosophically they represent order and an idealized form of nature.

Single Page

Hamza Nama

Elephant-Lifting Contest

Contests of strength are a popular literary device found in myths from cultures around the world and involve ridiculous feats that were often imbued with symbolism. In a familiar scenario, we see two armies assembled across from each other in the background, while their captains meet in the foreground to engage in an exchange of displays of strength.

Leading the infidel army on the left, two brothers dressed in red and blue have lifted an elephant and tossed it aside to intimidate the Islamic host. The protagonist Farrukhnizhad scoffs at them saying: “Two men to lift one elephant?” He then lifts the elephant by himself, which awes the brothers and persuades them to convert to Islam and join the army of Farrukhnizhad.

Facsimile Editions

#1 Hamza-Nama (Vol. LII/1)

Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1974

Publisher: Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt (ADEVA) – Graz, 1974

Limited Edition: 99 copies

Binding: In linen boxes

Commentary: 1 volume by G. Egger
Language: German

1 volume: Exact reproduction of the original document (extent, color and size) Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.

Price Category: € (under 1,000€)

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