Mughal School of Painting: A Fusion of Persian and Indian Art.

Mughal School of Painting

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.
• Mughal Artists and Their Paintings : Basawan, Daswanth, Ustad Mansur, Mir Sayyid Ali

  Artist	Details
  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.
  • 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.