Arkivism
Mahrusa kills herself at the tomb of the king of Zabul, and her husband does likewise, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-sixth Night
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Mahrusa kills herself at the tomb of the king of Zabul, and her husband does likewise, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-sixth Night

c. 1560 · gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Mahrusa lies slumped across the king’s tomb with a gold knife imbedded in her chest. She has committed suicide as penance for the king’s death. Mahrusa’s husband lies dead at her side, bloody knife in hand. On the right, a man watches the gruesome scene in shock. Following their deaths, Mahrusa, her husband, and the king become revered as martyrs.

Cleveland Museum of Art’s own description
Credit lineMahrusa kills herself at the tomb of the king of Zabul, and her husband does likewise, from a Tuti-nama (Tales of a Parrot): Thirty-sixth Night, c. 1560. Mughal India, court of Akbar (reigned 1556–1605). Gum tempera, ink, and gold on paper; overall: 20.3 x 14 cm (8 x 5 1/2 in.); painting only: 10.2 x 10.3 cm (4 x 4 1/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mrs. A. Dean Perry, 1962.279.242.a
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