Who illustrated “Dastan-e-Amir Hamza”?

Correct answers: (a) Abdus Samad or (c) Mir Sayyid Ali

Explanation

Akbar got many books illustrated. Among them, the earliest is Dastan-e-Amir Hamza, or Hamzanama (Tutinama is also mentioned as the first book illustrated during Akbar’s reign). This work began to be illustrated during Humayun’s period and was completed during Akbar’s reign. It is also stated that its illustration started in Akbar’s reign in 1507 AD, not during Humayun’s period. It took about 15 years to prepare, and about fifty painters participated in its preparation—initially under the supervision of Mir Sayyid Ali and later under Abdus Samad. It contains around 1400 illustrations. This work describes the heroic exploits of Amir Hamza, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad. Hence, both options (a) and (c) are correct.

Both (a) and (c) are correct — Mir Sayyid Ali supervised first, Abdus Samad later.