Painting During Mughals

Mughal Paintings flourished during the rule of diverse Mughal Emperors in India. They originated from the Persian art of miniature painting, blending influences from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Typically created as miniatures for book illustrations or standalone pieces, these artworks showcased a wide range of themes, including battles, legendary tales, hunting scenes, animals, royal life, and mythology. Referred to as the Mughal School of Painting, this artistic style gained widespread acclaim and was embraced by various Indian courts.

Background

Miniature painting, an art form evolving since the 10th century, thrived in regional courts during the Sultanate of Delhi.
Upon Humayun’s return from exile, the second Mughal emperor brought Persian artists Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad with him.
These Persian artists, under Humayun’s direction, crafted notable works like the ‘Khamsa of Nizami,’ contributing to the establishment of ‘Mughal Painting.
‘Diverging from traditional Persian art, these paintings marked the inception of a distinctive artistic style known as Mughal Painting.

Growth of Mughal School of Painting

Mughal painting rapidly became a favored choice among emperors due to its captivating portrayal of royalty.
Serving as a splendid artistic avenue, it allowed emperors to showcase their valor and achievements.
After Humayun’s passing, his son Akbar not only assumed the throne but also expanded his father’s extensive library.
Akbar and Jahangir are acknowledged for fostering the evolution of Mughal art.
Akbar’s impressive library boasted 24,000 manuscripts, often adorned with accompanying paintings.

Mughal Paintings During Akbar

Akbar, with a deep understanding of art gained under Abd as-Samad, actively promoted and supported artistic endeavors during his reign, leading to rapid progress in Mughal painting.
The Mughal painting flourished under Akbar’s patronage, with a notable surge in artistic development. He personally oversaw numerous commissioned paintings, emphasizing the significance of their final outcomes.
Akbar cultivated a substantial assembly of artists in his court, fostering a creative environment. This facilitated the execution of a series of large-scale paintings commissioned between 1560 and 1577.
Among Akbar’s early commissioned works was the ‘Tutinama‘ (‘Tales of a Parrot’), a 52-part Persian narrative. Completed by Iranian artists Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali in nearly five years, ‘Tutinama‘ is currently exhibited at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.
Another significant project initiated by Akbar was the ‘Hamzanama,’ recounting the story of Amir Hamza.
This extensive work comprised 1400 Mughal miniature paintings, surpassing the typical scale of miniatures.
Akbar’s appreciation for stories from his childhood inspired him to commission renowned paintings such as ‘Gulistan,’ ‘Darab Nama,’ ‘Khamsa of Nizami,’ and ‘Baharistan.’
The masterpiece ‘Gulistan’ by Saadi Shirazi was composed at Fatehpur Sikri during Akbar’s reign.
Between 1570 and 1585, Akbar employed over a hundred painters in his court, underscoring his commitment to the creation of Mughal artwork.

Mughal Paintings During Jahangir

Jahangir, much like his father, displayed a keen interest in the arts, particularly in paintings, fostering a cultural renaissance during his reign.
Under Jahangir’s guidance, Mughal painting experienced a transformative phase as he was greatly influenced by European painting styles.
He specifically directed his painters to adopt the European technique of single-point perspective.
The infusion of European techniques gave Mughal painting a fresh perspective, with Jahangir urging his artists to emulate the portrayal of kings and queens seen in European artworks. This led to finer brush strokes and a palette featuring softer, more nuanced colors.
Jahangir commissioned the remarkable Jahangirnama, his autobiography, adorned with various paintings. These included unique themes like spider wars, showcasing the diverse artistic talents of the Mughal court.
Jahangir commissioned lifelike paintings of birds, animals, and flowers, reflecting a commitment to realism in Mughal art. The vibrant colors, such as peacock blue and red, added depth and three-dimensional effects to the artworks.
Artists during Jahangir’s era began incorporating vibrant hues into their works, contributing to the evolution of Mughal painting. The palette expanded, allowing for more vivid and captivating depictions.
In summary, Jahangir’s reign witnessed a flourishing and evolution of Mughal painting, marked by the infusion of European techniques, realistic portrayals, and a vibrant color palette.
This artistic renaissance is encapsulated in the masterpieces commissioned by Jahangir, including the iconic Jahangirnama.

Mughal Paintings During Shah Jahan

During Shah Jahan’s rule, Mughal painting continued to thrive, adopting a more formal tone.
Despite the increased formality, Shah Jahan commissioned an extensive collection of paintings for his personal enjoyment.
The paintings commissioned by Shah Jahan were inspired by themes such as gardens and scenic views, providing a rich aesthetic experience.
Notably, he also commissioned artworks depicting lovers engaged in intimate moments.
One of the pinnacle works of Shah Jahan’s reign was the ‘Padshanama,’ characterized by abundant gold plating for a luxurious appearance.
This masterpiece detailed the King’s accomplishments, featuring depictions of both monarch and courtiers.
The ‘Padshanama’ strictly adhered to metamodeling norms when portraying the monarch and significant dignitaries.
In contrast, the frontal view technique was employed for depicting servants and courtiers, adding diversity to the artistic approach.
Shahjahan’s eldest son had a preference for portraying natural elements like plants and animals in his paintings, showcasing a distinct artistic inclination.

Growth of Mughal Paintings After Shah Jahan

Aurangzeb discouraged art and paintings and as a result, much of the Mughal painting’s quality was lost.
This was a period when a large number of court artists moved to the provincial kingdoms.
Later, Bahadur shah attempted to rejuvenate the art, but the school became dead and meaningless like the later Mughals.

Painters During the Mughal Period

Embarking on a painting project involved a team of skilled artists, each with a unique role.
Some focused on the composition, while others dedicated their efforts to the actual painting, and a final group honed in on the finer details of the artwork.
Renowned Persian painters such as Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad left a lasting impact on the art scene.
Notable Indian painters during the 16th and 17th centuries, including Daswanth, Basawan, Miskin, and Lal, contributed significantly to the Mughal court.
Govardhan, a celebrated artist, served three Mughal emperors – Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Kamal, Mushfiq, and Fazl stood out as prominent Mughal artists, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.
As the Mughal Empire declined, many artists found new opportunities in Rajput courts, marking a shift in artistic influence.

Conclusion

The inception of the Mughal School of Painting marked a pivotal moment in the history of Indian art. This influential art movement took root during the rule of Akbar, a monarch with a deep appreciation for painting and architecture around 1560 CE. Under Akbar’s patronage, a dedicated painting workshop was established, led by two skilled Persian artists, Mir Sayyed Ali and Abdul Samad Khan, who had previously served Akbar’s father, Humayun. Unfortunately, the flourishing art scene faced a setback when Aurangzeb imposed a ban on paintings, prompting the migration of numerous court painters. Despite later attempts by Bahadur Shah to revive the art form, the Mughal painting tradition experienced a decline after 1712 CE under the later Mughals.

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