Exhibition Highlights Cultural Ties Between India and Iran
A new temporary exhibition at Sunder Nursery is catching the eye of Delhi residents during their evening walks. Visitors are drawn to a series of 18 panels exploring historical connections that many may not be aware of. Among the highlights is a 19th-century painting of Yama, the Hindu god of death and justice, alongside an illustration of Yima or Jamshid, an Iranian king from folklore who created a sanctuary to protect humans, animals, and plants from severe winters. Interestingly, the Mahabharata also describes Yama’s hall as a place void of suffering.
Titled “Shared Epic Worlds,” the exhibition showcases the artistic and cultural links between India and Iran by comparing two of their greatest epics: the Sanskrit epic Mahabharata and the Persian Shahnameh, penned by the poet Ferdows between 977 and 1010 CE. Each panel offers a feast for the eyes, featuring Mughal-era paintings, calligraphy, and artwork from the Safavid period in Iran, all illustrating scenes from the Shahnameh.
Curator Shahab Khajeh Piri emphasizes that both epics convey similar messages about ethics, identity, loyalty, love, and the human experience. This exhibition isn’t just about manuscripts and art; it’s a celebration of shared narratives and ideas across historical times, highlighting how India and Iran bond over more than just trade and politics.
Piri notes that the exhibition aims to reveal the many similarities between the Mahabharata and Shahnameh, showcasing the profound cultural ties between the two nations. For instance, mythical birds feature prominently in both tales—Garuda in the Mahabharata and Simurgh in the Shahnameh—both serving as symbols of liberation and devotion. There are also parallels between epic heroes, like Rustam from the Shahnameh and Arjuna from the Mahabharata, who face great challenges for a higher purpose.
Additionally, the exhibition sheds light on the significance of the Shahnameh during the Mughal dynasty. One panel displays an ancient manuscript with royal Mughal seals, tracing its ownership from the founding emperor Babur to Shah Jahan. Another showcases a beautifully illustrated manuscript from Jahangir’s era, complete with nearly 90 narrative paintings and verses organized in gold-ruled columns.
Historian Swapna Liddle points out that India and Iran have always shared strong cultural bonds, largely due to their linguistic heritage. Persian served as a court language for the Mughal emperors and played a vital role in administration and literature, much like English does today. Many modern Indian languages, including Bengali and Marathi, have also borrowed vocabulary from Persian.
This exhibition invites viewers to explore and appreciate the rich cultural tapestry that connects India and Iran, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding their historical links.
