A miniature painting has set a new world record for the most expensive classical Indian artwork. The piece, attributed to Basawan, one of Mughal emperor Akbar's favourite artists, sold at Christie's London auction on 28 October.

The painting depicts a family of cheetahs. They recline on a patch of lush grass in a rocky landscape. A babbling stream tumbles toward the lower left. A large, twisted-trunk tree grows strikingly at the upper left, providing the cheetahs with shade. The male cheetah observes contentedly while the female suckles one cub and cleans another. Also Read | On sale: A pearl necklace worn by Audrey Hepburn in 'Roman Holiday'

This “highly important work” in the history of early Mughal art nearly beat the all-time record for an Indian painting. That record is curre

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