The King of Kashmir dispenses justice, late 13th century, (early 15th century). Marco Polo (1254-1324). Here the king of Kashmir watches a beheading by sword. On the right scholars teach and meditate in the hills.
Came across it in “Le Livre des Merveilles de Marco Polo” (Book of Marvels of Marco Polo). Can be found at gallica.bnf.fr
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Which king would this have been, any idea?
I don't think it is representation of any particular king of Kashmir. I think is image is an artistic interpretation of the following passage from Marco Polo's writing:
"There are numbers of towns and villages in the country, but also forests and desert tracts, and strong passes, so that the people have no fear of anybody, and keep their independence, with a king of their own to rule and do justice.
There are in this country Eremites (after the fashion of those parts), who dwell in seclusion and practice great abstinence in eating and drinking. They observe strict chastity, and keep from all sins forbidden in their law, so that they are regarded by their own folk as very holy persons. They live to a very great age."
Also,around Marco Polo's time the king of Kashmir would have been Lakshmanadeva who ruled from 1273 to 1286 or Simhadeva who ruled from 1286 to 1301.
Ah that's interesting, thanks. 🙂