Explore Mughal paintings and their significance during medieval India, including cultural and artistic contributions under the Mughal Empire.

Mughal Painting

Introduction

  • The Mughals made distinctive contributions in the field of painting.
  • They introduced new themes depicting the court, battle scenes, and the chase, and added new colors and forms.
  • They created a living tradition of painting that continued to thrive in different parts of the country long after the Mughal era.
  • The richness of the style was influenced by India's old tradition of painting, with the wall-paintings of Ajanta being a notable early example.

Akbar's Era

  • A vigorous revival began under Akbar, who established a painting workshop at his court.
  • Under the leadership of two master painters from Iran, the workshop attracted a number of painters from various parts of India.
  • Both Hindus and Muslims participated in the work, leading to a blend of cultural influences.
  • Famous painters like Daswant and Basawan contributed to the development of the Mughal painting school.

Jahangir and Shah Jahan

  • Under Jahangir, Mughal painting reached its peak with significant progress in portrait painting and depictions of animals.
  • Artists were recognized for their specialized skills, with Jahangir claiming to distinguish each artist's work in a single painting.
  • Shah Jahan continued the tradition, with notable constructions and a focus on maintaining artistic standards.

Later Developments

  • Under Aurangzeb, interest in painting declined, leading to artists dispersing to different regions like Rajasthan and Punjab hills.
  • This dispersal contributed to the development of distinct regional styles, such as the Rajasthan school combining Mughal forms with local traditions.
  • The Mughal tradition of painting experienced a revival in the 18th century under the patronage of Aurangzeb's successors.
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