The Sword and the Flute
Synopsis
Visual images consist entirely of Indian miniature paintings, while an off-screen narrator traces the rise of this art form within the courts of Akbar (1542-1605), who united what is now India and Pakistan, and his son Jahangir (1569-1627). Two schools of the miniature paintings, done by anonymous artists, flourished after Akbar established unity and peace across what had been many smaller states: the Moghul (Islamic) school and the Rajput (Hindu) school. The Moghul paintings record the events of the court, while the Rajput school connects physical beauty and, in particular, the longing of women to the transcendent values of the spirit.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Sword and the Flute1
Type: Clip • Published 2009-04-28
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1959
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- James Ivory
- Screenplay & Story
- James Ivory
- Original Score
- Chatur Lal, D.R. Parvatikar, T. Visvanathan, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan
- Original Title
- The Sword and the Flute
- Country of Origin
- India, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 24m
- Production Studios
- Merchant Ivory Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
James Ivory
James Ivory
Chatur Lal, D.R. Parvatikar, T. Visvanathan, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan
James Ivory
James Ivory
Department Leadership Roster
James Ivory
Director
James Ivory
Writer
James Ivory
Editor
James Ivory
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Sword and the Flute.
More Like The Sword and the Flute
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Sword and the Flute
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Sword and the Flute about?
Visual images consist entirely of Indian miniature paintings, while an off-screen narrator traces the rise of this art form within the courts of Akbar (1542-1605), who united what is now India and Pakistan, and his son Jahangir (1569-1627). Two schools of the miniature paintings, done by anonymous artists, flourished after Akbar established unity and peace across what had been many smaller states: the Moghul (Islamic) school and the Rajput (Hindu) school. The Moghul paintings record the events of the court, while the Rajput school connects physical beauty and, in particular, the longing of women to the transcendent values of the spirit.
Who directed The Sword and the Flute?
The Sword and the Flute was directed by James Ivory.
Who stars in The Sword and the Flute?
The principal cast of The Sword and the Flute includes Saeed Jaffrey.
When was The Sword and the Flute released and how long is it?
The Sword and the Flute was released in 1959 with a total runtime of 24m.
Who composed the musical score for The Sword and the Flute?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Sword and the Flute was composed by Chatur Lal, D.R. Parvatikar, T. Visvanathan, Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan.