Primary sourceArtifact1701-1708

Throne of the Great Mogul Aureng-Zeb

Johann Melchior Dinglinger · 1701-1708

A gold, jewelled miniature court scene made by Johann Melchior Dinglinger in 1701 to 1708, showing a throne with elephants, a fountain and tiny enamelled figures.

Shows a European goldsmith's version of Aurangzeb's throne, made during his lifetime and linked to his name in its title.

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A gilded and jewelled miniature court scene under an ornate golden canopy, with many tiny enamelled figures, elephants, a fountain, and a jewelled throne, displayed in a museum case. — Johann Melchior Dinglinger, Throne of the Great Mogul Aureng-Zeb, 1701-1708. Photograph from Wikimedia Commons.

About this source

What it is

This is a gilded and jewelled miniature court scene under an ornate golden canopy. Many tiny enamelled figures, elephants, a fountain and a jewelled throne are displayed in a museum case. The work is credited to Johann Melchior Dinglinger and dated 1701 to 1708. Its title names the Great Mogul Aureng-Zeb, the name by which Aurangzeb was known in Europe. The image in the source is a photograph of the piece.

Why it matters

The piece was made in Europe, by a goldsmith, during Aurangzeb's lifetime. It shows how a European court imagined the Mughal ruler and his court through luxury objects. It connects Aurangzeb with Dinglinger, the goldsmith who made it.

Look closer

What details would a viewer use to decide which parts of the scene are about power?
Why might a European goldsmith have chosen to show a distant ruler in such a small, precious form?
What does this object leave out about the real life of the Mughal court?

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