About Qamargah: The Mughal Emperors used hunting or shikar as a royal privilege, to exercise authority over their subjects and the natural world. The thrill of the hunt provided an adrenaline rush that had the emperors hooked. Apart from casting themselves as heroes who could slay the fiercest of beasts, they believed that by hunting, they were destroying the forces of evil that surrounded them.

The majestic, big cats – tigers and lions- were especially challenging to Hunt and were therefore their most valuable quarry. The Mughals also believed that killing a lion or Tiger was a lucky omen. If the lion escaped during the hunt, trouble would befall the Empire.

The Mongol Tradition of hunting was about bringing out the warrior in an Emperor. Qamargah was a battle plan. Hundreds of men were employed as beaters, whose job was to trap the animal in a circle and lead it to an area encircled by nets or fences. Once trapped, the animal is then forced to Succumb to the authority of the emperor.

The lions and tigers have been removed from the composition and instead positioned between the men is young Tipu and his father, Haider Ali witnessing the royal hunt.