A lady of rank on a terrace, with attendants

From the 1550s on, Indian painters sometimes included European figures in their works. Occasionally these figures were "real," that is, they represented Europeans who were actually present at the event depicted. Sometimes, though, a scene with Europeans is harder to interpret. Here four auburn-haired ladies are dressed in unusual, partly European costume. The throne on which the central lady sits is of a completely Indian type, however, as are the honorific implements the attendants behind her hold.

In the distance European sailors, recognizable by their black hats, aim muskets at a characteristically Indian-type sea monster. On the far shore four mounted hunters—again Europeans?—fight a lion. What, if anything, does all of this add up to, beyond an intriguing fancy?