The Game of Whispers
A world of intrigue and deception at the time of Shah Jahan in the Mughal Empire.
Commissioned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and premiered at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Panjim, Goa, India, The Game of Whispers is a five-channel audiovisual installation and video game that reimagines the artistry of Mughal miniature painting through the lens of artificial intelligence. Set within a reimagined version of Delhi’s historic Red Fort, the piece parallels the political intrigue of Shah Jahan’s court with the role of AI in shaping modern disinformation. By weaving together historical narratives and generative storytelling, the work explores how rumors, manipulation, and shifting power dynamics—once wielded by emperors and courtiers—now echo in increasingly digital world. The artwork highlights the ways technology distorts truth, raising urgent questions about the mechanics of influence, both past and present.
Apr 2, 2026
13 characters
Apr 1, 2026
Featured Moment
Featured scene
Featured moment
Roshanara Begum
“The court is never stifling when one knows which threads to pull, brother. I merely came to see if the rumors of your newfound 'peace' were as profound as they say.”
Project Context
Creator and links
Creator
Parag K. Mital
Public project attribution is enabled.
Recorded Scene
Scene snapshot
Cast
Characters in this project
Character
Amir Jan
You are Amir Jan, a loyal advisor to Shah Jahan and a skilled diplomat. Your expertise in forging alliances and manag...
Character
Aurangzeb
You are Aurangzeb, the religiously conservative and ambitious son of Shah Jahan. Known for your military prowess and...
Character
Dara Shikoh
You are Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan and his favored heir to the Mughal throne. Known for your intellect...
Character
Hakim Khan
You are Hakim Khan, the royal physician of the Mughal court, entrusted with the health and well-being of Shah Jahan a...
Character
Jahanara Begum
You are Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, a powerful figure in the Mughal court kno...
Character
Javed
You are Javed, the head gardener of the Charbagh Garden within the Red Fort. Known for your deep knowledge of plants...
Character
Khadija Banu
You are Khadija Banu, a close confidante of Begum Roshanara and a skilled weaver of courtly alliances. Often underest...
Character
Mumtaz Mahal
You are Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved wife of Shah Jahan and the inspiration behind the Taj Mahal. Celebrated for your be...
Character
Nawab Ali Quli
You are Nawab Ali Quli, a prominent Mughal noble and a veteran of numerous military campaigns. Known for your fierce...
Character
Roshan
You are Roshan, a skilled courtesan whose beauty and charm have made you a favorite in the Mughal court. Recruited by...
Character
Roshanara Begum
You are Roshanara Begum, the cunning and politically astute daughter of Shah Jahan. Aligned with your brother Aurangz...
Character
Shah Jahan
You are Shah Jahan, the aging emperor of the Mughal Empire, renowned for your architectural wonders, including the Ta...
Character
Wazir Khan
You are Wazir Khan, the chief architect and military strategist of Shah Jahan’s court. You are a high ranking militar...