“The Distribution of Wealth"
Fol. 253r from a manuscript of Akhlaq-i Nasiri
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In this illustration, a man tosses gold coins from a palatial balcony to an eager crowd below, as a princely figure addresses the onlookers—two customs practiced by Mughal rulers, such as this manuscript’s patron Akbar (r. 1556-1605). The text comes from a section of Akhlaq-i Nasiri recording the Greek philosopher Plato’s advice to his pupil Aristotle. This includes a maxim on the generosity a king must show his subjects: “Recognize that you will come to a place where master and enslaved are equal, so do not be arrogant here.”