Let's talk about translations on World Book Day with this painting of a Maktab-khana, the translation bureau, at Akbar's court. Hindu and Muslim scribes -- fluent in Sanskrit and Persian-- are shown working on the Mahabharata. In this folio, we get a glimpse into the process. Using a large part of the picture space, the artist has used carpets to create two distinct groups. The group on the top seems to be more composed and listening to requests/ comments of their colleagues. The folks at the bottom seem to be having a more intense and animated conversation. It is evident every word and line is being carefully considered and discussed before committing it to paper.

This painstaking process will lead to the writing of a new version of the Mahabharata, this time in Persian, and called Razmnama (the book of war). Akbar had his copy illustrated, and his mother, Hamida Banu, and other nobles in his court followed suit.

This particular folio probably dates to 1598-99, and was likely one of the first illustrations in the manuscript. We can't be sure because the manuscript got pulled apart and folios dispersed around the world, driving the realisation that there are worse things we can do to books than write on them or dog-ear instead of using a bookmark.