Guru Nanak

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In the fifteenth century, medieval Indian society was divided into two distinct and mutually antagonistic religious groups – Hindus and Muslims. In such a milieu, Nanak denounced all castes and creed and maintained, 'all were creatures of God'.p> There is no contemporary physical representation of Guru Nanak. However, it is known that he wore a chola, or a cloak and wooden sandals. He wore a seili and a cap to cover his head. The above gave opportunities to artists to localize or transform some aspects of Nanak's appearance. Seated on a low seat, against bolsters, Guru Nanak wears a chola, painstakingly designed by the artist. The cap that he wears also shows a local influence. The milk-white beard and moustache shows the aging Guru.

In the background, proportionately smaller, stands his companion Bala, who played the rabab as Nanak sang the hymns. He wears a prominently Muslim attire and holds the stringed instrument in his hands. The foreground has a tray of fruits and a book – the relevance of which to the painting is minimal.

This description by Renu Rana.