Merchants brought Islam to South Asia as early as the seventh century (see Islamic gallery guide). The rulers of the Islamic kingdoms that emerged by the twelfth century built vast palaces and forts as well as grand mosques and tombs adorned with calligraphy and abstract ornament. The courts were also centers for the production of book arts, including paintings that illustrated national epics and dynastic histories. next page

Mah Saman Poisons Shakar folio from a manuscript India, ca. 1450 Opaque watercolor and ink on paper overall: 32.2 x 24.0 cm (12 7/8 x 9 1/2 in.) Smithsonian Unrestricted Trust Funds, Smithsonian Collections Acquisition Program, and Dr. Arthur M. Sackler S1986.124a–b

The Arthur M. Sackler Gallery and the Freer Gallery of Art Exhibition List | Online Exhibitions All presented material is copyright © Smithsonian Institution, 2008 except where otherwise noted.