A Mughal emperor's court acted as a state council, or darbar, administering the affairs of a princely state. In this watercolor, the courtiers are arranged according to their hierarchy and level of power. The main nobleman, or chieftain, sits at the center of the gathering, holding a flower and wearing a diaphanous shirt. All others are seated in his presence. The formality and order of the watercolor suggest that the darbar convenes peacefully within a timeless scene, unconnected to specific events or moments. The artist does not reference the political turbulence, murderous feuds, and shifting loyalties of the Mughal kingdom at this time.