Khan ‘Alam, Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Falconer and His Ambassador to Iran, with a Sparrow Hawk

Khan 'Alam was the Mughal Emperor Jahangir's (r. 1605-1627) ambassador to Iran as well as his chief falconer. Here, he stands outdoors with a sparrow hawk perched on his gloved right hand. Red jesses connect the bird of prey to Khan 'Alam's sash. In his left hand, Khan 'Alam clutches onto a small bird, which serves as bagged game, previously caught prey which is either served to the raptor or used in its training.