Habit of Aurengzeeb

by Thomas Jefferys

Return to the golden age of the Mughal Dynasty through this superb copper engraving by none other than Thomas Jefferys, known as the “Geographer to His Majesty King George the Third.” The artwork shows Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, dressed in his official “Habit.”

Not your typical depiction of the period, this engraving by Jefferys is acclaimed for its precise portrayal of costume details such as the elaborate jama (robe), waist sash, and the characteristic jeweled turban, which indicated authority at that time. It was an important link between Eastern and Western art, featured in Jefferys’ famous book, A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations.