As with the chronologies of regions, these lists of dynasties from Turkey, Iran, and India are limited in scope and in places incomplete, but they provide some historical context for the production of the artworks included in this catalogue.

This chronology provides a summary of the numerous courts and dynasties whose art is represented in this catalogue, although in its highly condensed format, the text may in some cases appear more definitive than a lengthier discussion would countenance. In keeping with the conventions adopted for the catalogue entries, the contemporary names of Iran, Turkey, India, and Pakistan are used....