Bichitr

His active period is documented from around 1615 to the 1640s. His earliest known work from 1615 shows a mature style, suggesting a long period of prior training.¹

In his masterpiece, "Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings," he depicted the emperor valuing spiritual leaders over secular kings. His self-insertion in this work became a custom in later Mughal painting.¹

Bichitr's work was strongly influenced by European painting, incorporating motifs like putti and depictions of Western monarchs such as King James I of England into his compositions.¹

Bichitr was a Mughal court painter in the 17th century, serving under Emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, where he established a prominent position through numerous imperial portraits.¹

Historian Stuart Cary Welch called him the "Mughal Van Dyke" because he painted almost every important figure of his time, with his refined portrait style becoming a standard for court art.¹