The Shahnama (Book of Kings) is an epic Persian poem composed by Firdausi (or Ferdowsi; circa 934-1020) in circa 977-1010. It narrates the legendary and historical past of the Persian Empire until the Arab Muslim conquest in the 7th century. Shahnama manuscripts were frequently produced throughout the Islamic world, including in South Asia. These two double-sided folios are from a widely dispersed Shahnama attributed to Bijapur, circa 1610. Its small size, lavish use of gold, and the high quality of the illustrations suggest it was a personal copy for a wealthy or royal patron. The single illustration of the two folios (A recto) depicts an episode in the tragic love story of Bizhan and Manizhe (or Bijan and Manijeh). Bizhan is a legendary Iranian hero who travels to the fabled kingdom of Turan by the Caspian Sea in Central Asia. He meets and falls madly in love with Manizhe, the beautiful daughter of mythical king of Turan, Afrasiyab (or Afrasiab). Their affair is discovered by Afrasiyab, who banishes them into separate exile. Eventually, they are reunited and rescued by the heroic Rustam sent by the Shah of Iran, Kay Khusraw (or Khosrow). In this illustration, Manizhe invites Bizhan into her garden tent to enjoy wine and a feast. Manizhe gives Bizhan a sleeping potion and hides him in her house from her disapproving father. Their affair is discovered by Afrasiyab, who banishes them into separate exiles. The remaining pages are text only written in nastaliq script.