The emperor, ringed in a halo of light and pictured at the center of the sun and moon, is seated above international rulers, the artist, and a representation of time itself

The painting includes angels painted in a European style, symbolizing the emperor's dominance over the Judeo-Christian world

Jahangir is pictured as a teacher of his people, instructing them in the humanist tradition

Jahangir is paying his respects to the artist, demonstrating the important court position of painters in the Mughal dynasty and emphasizing the emperor's high degree of cultural refinement and sophistication

The painting shows no discernible European design elements, a testament to the Mughal court's distaste for Western culture and promotion of Jahangir's personal artistic tastes above all else

Patterns of plants and geometric designs

Images of desert animals

Portraits of Mohammed

Lunettes

Islamic culture

Russian culture

Sub-Saharan African culture

Native American culture

an epic poem

a religious scripture

a law code

an historical record