Mosaic art is a decorative technique that involves creating images or patterns by assembling small pieces of coloured materials. These pieces, called tesserae, can be made from various materials such as glass, stone, ceramic, or even shells. The art form dates back thousands of years and has been used in cultures worldwide.

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A Tale of Two Cultures

Delhi’s mosaic art entered a new chapter as the British Raj took hold. The grand Mughal tradition of architectural mosaics gave way to smaller, more portable pieces. Indian artisans, adapting to changing tastes, began creating mosaic-inlaid furniture and decorative objects that appealed to British sensibilities while retaining their Indian soul.

Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India at the turn of the 20th century, was particularly taken with the art form. Driven by a romantic vision of India’s past glory, he initiated restoration projects of Mughal monuments, bringing renewed attention to the fading art of mosaics. His efforts, though coloured by colonial perspectives, nonetheless helped preserve many masterpieces that might otherwise have been lost to time.

Different Floral Patterns (Gul-e-Lala and Gul-e-Nilofer)

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The mosaic art in Delhi is the depiction of flowers, which is a symbol of nature, and paradise in Islam. Gul-e-Lala (tulips), and Gul-e-Nilofer (Lotus) often appear in the Mosaic art panel. They are usually symmetrical and stylized in design, depicting a version of nature with a blend of Islamic concepts in gardens.

The Humayun’s Tomb is an example of a floral mosaic, as it is adorned with inlays of floral paintings with coloured stones and glass.

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Geometric Patterns

Islamic art is known for its use of complex geometric styles and designs, and mosaic in Delhi is no exception. The use of patterns with interlocking shapes and forms depicts order, unity and the infinite nature of the universe. The patterns use shapes in a repeated form like hexagons stars, and tessellated designs that create and give a mesmerising visual of the pattern.

Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, which is one of the largest mosques in India showcases its geometric mosaics on its walls and its floors. Especially the intricate use of black and white stones in geometric designs that create an elegant contrast, representing the simplicity and sophistication of the Islamic culture.

Here’s a brief overview of how mosaic art is typically created:

• Design: The artist starts with a design or pattern, often sketched out on the surface where the mosaic will be applied.
• Preparation of materials: The tesserae are prepared. This might involve cutting larger pieces of glass or stone into smaller, usable pieces.
• Adhesive application: A layer of adhesive is applied to the surface. This could be cement, glue, or another binding material, depending on the specific technique and materials used.
  

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• Placing the tesserae: The artist carefully places each piece of Tesserae onto the adhesive, following the design. This is a meticulous process that requires patience and precision.
• Grouting: Once the adhesive has dried and all pieces are in place, grout is applied to fill the spaces between the tesserae. This helps to secure the pieces and gives the mosaic a finished look.
• Cleaning and polishing: After the grout has been set, the surface is cleaned to remove any excess, and the mosaic may be polished to enhance its appearance.

A New Dawn

As the winds of change swept through India, bringing with them the promise of independence, Delhi’s mosaic art once again found itself at a crossroads. The first Prime Minister of independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru, saw in the ancient craft a bridge between India’s rich past and its promising future. Under his patronage, mosaic art began to appear in government buildings and public spaces, now telling stories not just of royal romance, but of a nation’s dreams and aspirations.

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In the decades that followed, Delhi’s artists began to experiment, blending traditional techniques with modern themes. The romantic notions that had inspired Mughal emperors now found expression in abstract designs and contemporary motifs. The love that once drove Shah Jahan to create masterpieces in memory of his wife now motivated artists to create works that spoke of their love for their city and their country.

In more traditional forms, like those used in Mughal architecture, the process might involve:

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• Inlay work (pietra dura): Where precisely cut, thin slices of precious or semi-precious stones are inlaid into a stone base like marble. This technique requires extreme precision in cutting and fitting the stones.
• Parchin kari: A variation where the stones are embedded so precisely that no cement is visible between them, creating a seamless image.

Modern forms of Mosaic Art and the use of materials.

Indirect method: Where tesserae are first arranged face-down on a temporary surface, then transferred all at once to the final location.

Use of pre-made tesserae: Many artists now use commercially produced tiles or glass pieces rather than cutting their own.

Mixed media: Incorporating non-traditional materials like mirrors, beads, or even electronic components in contemporary designs.

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 The beauty of mosaic art lies in its versatility and the way it transforms many small, individual pieces into a cohesive, often stunning whole. Whether it’s the intricate stone inlays of Mughal tombs or modern abstract murals in public spaces, the basic principle of assembling small pieces to create a larger image remains the same.

The Mosaic of Delhi

Today, as you walk through the streets of Delhi, you can still see the glittering legacy of those long-ago emperors and their romantic visions. From the intricate inlays of Humayun’s Tomb to the modern mosaic murals of the Delhi Metro, the city’s love affair with this art form continues.

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In the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, artisans still practice the craft passed down through generations, their workshops a living link to the past. Meanwhile, in the galleries of New Delhi, contemporary artists reimagine the art form, creating works that speak to the complexities of modern life while honouring their artistic heritage.

And so, the story of Delhi’s mosaic art continues to unfold, each piece a tiny fragment in the grand mosaic of the city’s history.