Introduction
Delhi is a city where centuries converse with each other in stone, marble, sandstone and stories. After the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal empire established, the ruler brought their own art forms and led to the foundation of their own Grandeur Architect and different art form ,Mughal paintings was one of them. In Delhi, one of the prominent Mughal painting include “Marriage procession of Dara Shikho”housed at the National Museum Delhi. Apart from that many painting are kept in museum protected.
Origins of the art-form
The origin of the Mughal Architecture trace back to the central Asian Timruid tradition, enriched by Persian aesthetic and later adopted to Indian climate. When Babur established the empire in 1526, he brought his tradition and ideas to India especially the charbagh layout symbolizing paradise. Delhi became the laboratory of synthesis and under Jahangir, Akbar and especially Shah Jaha.
Mughal paintings have evolved and transformed under various Mughal Emperors.The paintings have emerged from perisan art of miniature paintings with Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain influences. Battles, legendary stories, hunting scenes, animals, royal life, mythology, and other subjects were frequently depicted in the paintings. These paintings are also called the Mughal School of Painting. This art form grew in popularity to the point where it was adopted by other Indian courts.
HOW IT FLOURISHED
Delhi was a melting hub for the entire sub continent.The mughal painting which flourished was due to the Cultural blend, royal patronage and artistic innovation that began in the mid 16th century. The foundation was laid by Humayun who brought two famous master painter Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al- Samad. After the death of Humanyun his son Akbar gave patronage to the Mughal art and it went till Shah Jahan.
MINIATURE PAINTING
Miniature painting is a small sized painting. They are vibrant, colourful and full of light. It has flourished in numerous regional courts throughout the empire The painting, is renowned for its rich detail. Originating during the Mughal Empire in India.These artworks were created to document the courtly life, royal events, and landscapes of the era.
The painting gained popularity among emperors, who found depicting themself in the royal manner appealing. It was also a beautiful medium through which one ruler could display their bravery in war and accomplishments in the form of painting to futher keep them in memory. Mughal paintings are one of the prominent source which through the light on the mughal history.
Babur, the first ruler of the dynasty brought the art from his homeland which was further continued by his successor .Humanyu spent his most of the time in fighting and establishing the empire.Yet there were some paintings during his time. After Humayun’s death, it was his son Akbar who took the charge to further continue the paintings. Akbar and Jahangir are the two mughal emperor who was credited in the development of the paintings.They had a library which had 24000 manuscript, in which many of which were accompanied by paintings which was majorly patronage by the king.
Mughal Paintings During Akbar
Akbar encouraged and supported the paintings since he had learned the arts and paintings under his father. The paintings flourished throughout his reign.He commissioned many paintings. Akbar had many artist in his court,like Daswanth, Baswana and Kesu .He commissioned a series of large-scale paintings to work between 1560 and 1577.‘Tutinama,’ which literally translates to ‘Tales of a Parrot,‘ was one of the first paintings of works commissioned by Akbar. It is a 52-part Persian narrative told in episodic form.
Painting during Jahangir
Jahangir was also deeply influenced by European painting. He came directly in contact with the English crown and was sent the gift of oil paintings. He liked this and later encouraged his royal atelier to take up the single point perspective favoured by European artists, unlike the flattened multi-layered style used in traditional miniatures. He particularly encouraged paintings that depicted events of his own life, individual portraits, and studies of birds, flowers and animals.
The Tuzk-e-Jahangiri written during his lifetime is an autobiographical account of Jahangir reign and has several paintings, including some unusual subjects such as the union of a saint with a tigress, and fights between spiders. Jahangir’s painters accompanied him and made drawing of birds and animals which caught the emperor’s eye. The great love of the Mughal for creating gardens gave the painters a chance to study and paint various species of flowers. To these paintings, he brings botanical expertise as well as an elevating sense of colour and rhythm. Flower studies were made in large numbers during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jaha.
Mughal Paintings During Shah Jahan
During Shah Jahan’s reign, Mughal painting continued to flourish.The paintings were inspired by themes of gardens and photos that provided a great deal of aesthetic enjoyment.He also commissioned a number of pieces depicting lovers in intimate situations.The ‘Padshanama’ was one of the most important works produced during his reign.With ample amounts of gold plating, this work was meant to appear luxurious.The ‘Padshanama,’ which detailed the King’s accomplishments, also included drawings of the courtiers and servants.
REFERENCE TO POP CULTURE
Two one of the famous Bollywood movies Mughal e Azam and Jodha Akbar have taken the reference from the Mughal paintings.From jewel-toned palettes ornate to costume design all have framed the symmetrical framing reminiscent of court portraiture. Modern fashion houses such as Sabyasachi and lifestyle brands like Good Earth adapt Mughal floral motifs, borders, and court-scene layouts into textiles, prints, and interiors, bringing miniature traditions into mainstream visual culture.
Conclusion
The Mughal paintings shed significant lights on the historical and cultural evolution of the mughal period. However , After the decline of the empire it has been discontinued. It is now only preserved in Museums as a heritage art form. Once which was patronage by the rulers now no longer continued, due to the political and economic decline of the empire. The Mughal Empire’s legacy endures through its remarkable artistic achievements, its role in shaping history, and its lasting influence on the cultural and architectural heritage of the region.However it is still continues to influence contemporary artist in the region like Delhi and Lahore. Modern artists, art historians, and digital restoration projects have also contributed to its renewed visibility making Mughal paintings an essential component of South Asian art history curricula, exhibitions, and cultural tourism. Although no longer produced at its former scale or opulence, the art form enjoys significant academic, artistic, and commercial value today, symbolizing both a cultural legacy and a continuing source of inspiration for modern visual culture.
References
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-arts-of-the-mughal-empire?srsltid=AfmBOopckwRxZfBZlCnFzxYX79L5zmfHOyqJ2gjpWTDk5iI-YZEJdP47
https://prepp.in/news/e-492-painting-of-mughal-empire-medieval-india-history-notes
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359229296_Mughal_Miniature_Paintings_An_Analysis
https://www.ijrar.org/papers/IJRAR19D5541.pdf
https://www.asiaresearchnews.com/content/art-aesthetics-and-patronage-impact-and-legacy-mughal-manuscript-paintings