Khwarrah

The English term charisma is from the Greek χάρισμα (khárisma), which means “favor freely given” or “gift of grace”. Says wikipedia.

Abbas Amanat says Greek khárisma itself derives from Middle Persian khwarrah; and therefore from Avestan khwarennah: a Zoroastrian concept literally denoting “glory” or “splendour” but understood as a divine mystical force or power projected upon and aiding the appointed; and ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *sóhr “to shine”. The neuter noun also connotes “(divine) royal glory,” reflecting the perceived divine empowerment of kings.

Khwarrah was thus the Persian equivalent of the Chinese Mandate of Heaven: it explained why some dynasties fell and others came in their place: one lost its khwarrah, the other received it.

Why is this important? Because now I understand this portrait. That aureola around Shah Jahan’s head is his charisma shining from his person.

Abbas Amanat, Iran, A Modern History