Thank you for downloading this episode of A History of the World in 100 Objects from BBC Radio 4.
In today's world of global politics, the image is almost everything.
We're all familiar with the carefully staged photographs of leaders
who know exactly what it means to be pictured
with a particular royal politician or celebrity.
When it comes to the politics of faith, it's even more important to be seen with the right religious leader.
And it can be riskier.
But few political leaders today would choose to make a public display of humility
by being seen receiving religious instruction or even reprimand.
All the objects this week explore the relationship between different faiths four to five hundred years ago.
In 17th century India, the dialogue between power and faith was every bit as complex and as explosive as it is today.
But around 1610, the photo opportunities were very different.
No press photographs, no 24-hour television news, just painting.
Painting aimed at a very targeted audience.
And it's such a painting that I want to look at in this program.
A miniature from Mughal India that embodies a rare,
perhaps a unique relationship between the world of the ruler and the realm of faith.
The message is that a ruler must know his people, his subjects,
especially in a country like India where there were several religions coexisting
and they also should know that their king is to protect every single religion.