The Mughal School of Painting flourished in India during the Mughal Empire, blending Persian and Indian elements to create a unique style of art.

• Mughal Painting
  • Mughal painting is a style of miniature painting that developed in the northern Indian subcontinent during the 16th century and lasted till the mid-19th century.

    

  • Known for its sophisticated techniques and diverse themes, it inspired later schools and styles of Indian painting.
  • The Mughal style secured a distinct position within the Indian school of paintings.

    

• Patronage of the Mughals
  • The Mughals were patrons of art forms such as calligraphy, painting, architecture, bookmaking, and illustration.
  • Each Mughal ruler contributed to the arts based on personal preferences.
  • The Mughal dynasty's political history and genealogy are closely tied to the development of Mughal painting.

    

• Influences on Mughal Painting
  • The Mughal style integrated indigenous themes with Persian and later European styles.
  • Art from this period reflects a synthesis of Islamic, Hindu, and European visual culture.
  • The style emphasized artistic diversity, surpassing traditional Indian and Iranian painting of the time.
  • Mughal ateliers included calligraphers, painters, gilders, and binders.
  • Paintings documented events, personalities, and royal interests, often forming parts of manuscripts and albums.
• Indigenous and Mughal Styles
  • The indigenous Indian style emphasized flat perspective, strong lines, and vivid colors.

    

  • The Mughal style introduced subtlety, three-dimensional figures, and optical realism.
  • Popular themes included royal court scenes, portraits, and depictions of flora and fauna.
• Early Mughal Painting
  • Babur (1526–1530):
    • Babur brought cultural and aesthetic influences from Persia and Central Asia.
    • His autobiography, *Baburnama*, narrates his artistic passion and detailed observations of India.

      

    • Babur’s memoirs mention artists like Bihzad, known for his compositions, and Shah Muzaffar, excelling in hairstyling.

      

  • Humayun (1530–1556):
    • Humayun spent time in exile at the court of Shah Tahmasp, where he was inspired by Persian miniature painting.
    • He brought Persian artists Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad to India to establish a royal studio.
    • Humayun founded the *Nigaar Khana* (painting workshop), initiating projects like the illustration of *Hamza Nama*.
  • The extraordinary painting *Princes of the House of Timur* (1545–50) by Abd us Samad exemplifies early Mughal art.
    • Opaque watercolor on cotton.
    • Features historical portraits of Mughal dynasty members, including Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, painted over earlier works.
  • The painting format and themes were largely influenced by Persian styles.
  • Humayun introduced the Persian-inspired style of open-air painting with trees, blossoms, and royal gatherings.

    

• Akbar’s Patronage (1556–1605)
  • Akbar expanded his father’s artistic legacy and integrated Indo-Persian styles.
    • Employed over 100 artists, including both Persian and Indian masters, in the royal atelier.

      

  • Notable projects under Akbar:
    • *Hamza Nama*: An illustrated narrative of Hamza’s heroic deeds.
      • Spanned 14 volumes with 1,400 illustrations, completed between 1567–1582.
      • Used large formats, cloth as the base, and opaque gouache technique.
      • Supervised by Persian artists Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad.
    • *Razm Nama*: Persian translation and illustration of the Mahabharata, completed in 1589 under Daswant’s supervision.
    • *Akbar Nama*: A manuscript documenting Akbar’s political and personal life with 169 paintings.
  • Characteristics of Akbar’s style:
    • Depicted political conquests, court scenes, Hindu mythologies, and Persian-Islamic themes.
    • Adopted naturalistic influences as Europeans interacted with the Mughal court.
    • *Madonna and Child* (1580) demonstrates European Renaissance themes adapted to Mughal sensibilities.
• Jahangir’s Patronage (1605–1627)
  • Jahangir showed an early passion for arts and sought scientific accuracy in his works.
    • Employed Aqa Riza and his son Abul Hasan to achieve high artistic refinement.

      

  • Distinct features of Jahangir’s atelier:
    • Focused on fewer but higher-quality works.
    • Popularized *Muraqqas* (albums) with highly illuminated margins featuring flora, fauna, and poised figures.

      

  • Artistic subjects under Jahangir:
    • Lavish court scenes, royal portraits, and detailed depictions of flora and fauna.
    • Shifted focus from mass production to individual artistic brilliance.
  • *Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri*: His memoirs document his fascination with arts and naturalism.

    

• Jahangir's Artistic Patronage
  • Jahangir received paintings and decorative objects depicting high European art from visiting Europeans.
  • His fascination for European art led to the inclusion of Christian religious themes in his royal atelier.
  • The blending of European art sensibilities with Indo-Iranian styles resulted in a vibrant and impressive Jahangir School of Art.
  • Features of Jahangir School:
    • Spatial depth in composition.
    • Naturalistic representation of life.
    • Integration of indigenous, Persian, and European styles.
• Key Artworks Under Jahangir
  • Jahangir in Darbar (Attributed to Abul Hasan and Manohar, 1620):
    • Depicts Jahangir seated centrally with stunning white pillars and a vibrant canopy above.
    • Courtiers are positioned by rank, with realistic portraiture.
    • Features Father Corsi, a Jesuit priest, among nobles, along with elephants and horses adding to the ceremonial importance.
  • Jahangir's Dream (Abul Hasan, 1618–1622):
    • Depicts a dream of Persian Safavid emperor Shah Abbas embracing Jahangir.

      

    • Symbolism includes:
      • Jahangir's dominance with the lion, and Shah Abbas depicted as frail with a sheep.
      • European art motifs like golden halos and angels enrich the composition.
• Shah Jahan's Contributions
  • Inherited a politically stable empire and a thriving royal atelier.
  • Preferred idealization and stylization over naturalistic rendering.
  • Features of Shah Jahan’s art:
    • Use of jewel-like colors and intricate fine lines.
    • Focus on high concepts and multiple interpretations.
    • Magnificent works documented in Padshahnama.
• Art During Dara Shikoh
  • Known for his interest in Sufi mysticism and Vedantic philosophy.
  • Commissioned paintings like Dara Shikoh with Sages in a Garden (Bichitra, 1635).
  • Characteristics of Dara’s personality:
    • Eclectic, philosophical, and inclusive approach.
    • Misinterpreted as politically submissive.

      

• Aurangzeb's Period
  • Focused on political expansion and unification rather than artistic development.
  • Contrary to popular belief, the royal atelier continued producing paintings during his reign.
• Impact of Mughal School of Painting
  • The Mughal School blended leading art traditions of its time, influencing European artists like Rembrandt.
  • Rembrandt studied Mughal miniatures for their delicate lines and intricate compositions.

Things to know

• Master Artists Invited by Humayun
  • Abdus Samad:
    • Known for his vibrant colors and detailed miniature work.
    • His masterpiece *"Khamsa of Nizami"* features intricate human figures, floral designs, and vivid colors, blending Persian influences.
  • Mir Sayyid Ali:
    • Renowned for his depiction of courtly scenes.
    • His work in the *"Shahnameh of Ferdowsi"* showcases dynamic compositions, expressive faces, and meticulous details.
• Favorite Art Project of Akbar
  • "Akbarnama":
    • Created by a team of artists led by Abdus Samad.
    • Features richly illustrated narratives of Akbar’s life, battles, and courtly grandeur.
    • What stands out: Fusion of Persian techniques with Indian elements, especially in battle depictions like the Second Battle of Panipat.
    • Appeal: Vibrant storytelling, cultural diversity, and architectural brilliance.
• Comprehensive List of Mughal Artists and Their Paintings
  • Basawan:
    • Known for his ability to depict emotions.
    • *"Tutinama: The Parrot's Tale"* illustrates dynamic expressions and vibrant colors.
  • Daswanth:
    • Mastered Indian themes with intricate borders and rich colors.
    • His work on the *"Ramayana"* is an example of his artistic versatility.
  • Ustad Mansur:
    • Famous for his naturalistic style.
    • His painting *"Dodo and Crane"* captures lifelike precision, making him a pioneer in Mughal natural history art.
  • Abdus Samad:
    • His *"Hamzanama"* miniatures are known for dramatic action and Persian-inspired designs.
  • Mir Sayyid Ali:
    • His *"Shahnameh" illustrations showcase refined Persian aesthetics and rich storytelling.
• Visual Elements in Medieval Paintings
  • Indigenous Indian Elements:
    • *"Krishna Lifting Mount Govardhan"* combines Mughal finesse with Rajput boldness.
    • Features bright colors, flattened perspectives, and mythological themes.
  • Persian Elements:
    • *"Hamzanama"* reflects Persian tradition through intricate floral borders and symmetrical composition.
    • Pastel shades and idealized human forms highlight Persian influence.
  • European Elements:
    • *"Jahangir Holding a Globe"* reflects European realism with shading techniques, depth, and naturalistic details.
    • The halo around Jahangir’s head merges Islamic and Christian iconography, showcasing cross-cultural influences.

Important Mughal paintings

• Later Mughal Painting
  • As ardent patronage declined, skilled artists left the Mughal atelier and were welcomed by provincial rulers who sought to emulate Mughal royalty.
  • These provincial rulers aimed to recreate the glory of their dynasties and court events through paintings.
  • Notable masterworks were created during the periods of:
    • Muhammad Shah Rangila
    • Shah Alam II
    • Bahadur Shah Zafar
  • Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal ruler, a poet, scholar, and connoisseur, exiled by the British post the failure of the 1857 revolt.

    

  • The Mughal miniature style eventually merged into Provincial and Company School styles due to changing patronage and political scenarios.
• Process of Mughal Painting
  • Mughal miniatures were often part of manuscripts and royal albums, combining text and visuals.
  • The painting process involved:
    • Preparation of handmade paper and designated spaces for visuals.
    • Text written before artists created synoptic visual compositions.
    • Stages of painting:
      • Tarh: Initial composition
      • Chiharanama: Portrait creation
      • Rangamizi: Coloring
• Colours and Techniques of Mughal Painting
  • Paintings used opaque colors made from natural pigments:
    • Vermilion: From cinnabar
    • Ultramarine: From lapis lazuli
    • Bright yellow: From orpiment
    • White: From ground shells
    • Lampblack: From charcoal
  • Gold and silver were mixed with colors or sprinkled for extravagance.
  • Artists worked collaboratively or individually, and salaries were based on contributions.
  • Completed paintings were burnished with agate for radiance and durability.
• Notable Paintings
  • Noah’s Ark: By Miskin (1590, Freer Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)
    • Depicts Prophet Noah and pairs of animals during the flood.
    • Features convincing water rendering and dramatic vertical perspective.

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  • Krishna Lifts Mount Govardhan: By Miskin (1585–90, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)
    • Based on Harivamsa Purana, translated into Persian by Badauni.
    • Illustrates Krishna protecting villagers from torrential rain sent by Indra.
  • Falcon on a Bird Rest: By Ustad Mansur (1615, National Museum, New Delhi)
    • Commissioned by Jahangir, featuring a falcon gifted by Shah Abbas of Persia.
    • Includes text in Devnagari script with a portrait of Jahangir.
  • Zebra: By Ustad Mansur (1621, Shah Jahan’s royal album)
    • Depicts a zebra from Ethiopia, gifted to Jahangir by Mir Ja’far.
    • Jahangir sent it as a rare gift to Shah Abbas of Iran.
  • The Marriage Procession of Dara Shikoh: By Haji Madni (National Museum, New Delhi)
    • Illustrates the pomp and grandeur of Dara Shikoh’s marriage procession.

      

    • Features Shah Jahan with a nimbus and traditional marriage elements like music, gifts, and fireworks.