Hakim Sadra of Shiraz. Watercolour.

Hakim Sadra was a native of Shiraz. He was the son of the physician, Hakim Fakhr al-Din Shirazi. Hakim Sadra studied medicine with Hakim Muhammad Baqar, son of Hakim Imad al-Din Mahmud in Iran, and with the leading physician Hakim Ali Gilani on his arrival in India. He was also a poet and composed verses under the name of Masih Ilahi. He belonged to the Shiite sect of Islam and followed his religion meticulously. Hakim Sadra arrived in India in 1011 A.H./1603 A.D. or 46th year of the accession of Emperor Akbar, but he achieved fame during the reign of Emperor Jahangir who bestowed on him the title of Masih al-Zaman and gave him the rank of an officer having 500 infantrymen and 30 horsemen (Panjsadi dhat wa si Sawar) under his command. He continued to receive royal favours during the reign of Emperor Shahjahan, who appointed him as the Spokesman of the Court. In the 4th year of accession, he left for the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. On his return in 1044 A.H./1635 A.D., he resigned from service in the Court and settled in Lahore. However, he did not sever his connection with the Court and attended on the Emperor whenever called for treatment. In the 18th year of the accession of Shahjahan, he treated the queen for severe burns. Hakim Sadra died in Kashmir in 1061 A.H./1651 A.D. (adapted from www.salaam.co.uk)