mughal art
Recently, came across a collection of classic, miniature paintings….there is just something so fascinating about being enveloped in such stunning imagination, marked by a rich style…
A bit of history
The Persian master artists Abdus Samad and Mir Sayid Ali who had accompanied Humayun to India were in charge of the imperial atelier during the early formative stages of miniature painting. But it flourished during Akbar’s reign with spectacular works of art by master artists such as Basawan, Lal, Miskin, Kesu Das, and Daswanth. Indian court scenes, battle scenes, landscapes and hunting gained importance. The initial sketch was made using burnt wood and the colors were derived from natural materials, like vegetables, fruits, eggs, oil, soil, lime, indigo and lapis lazuli. Gold powder and silver foil were also used.
But, Aurangzeb had no place for art in his court. After he died, several painters of Mughal court sought refuge in Rajput sovereign states. They carried with them the Mughal art-style but the taste and likings of their new patrons and local elements were for them as much significant and an amalgamation of both created a new art-style widely known as Provincial Mughal.
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Maharaj Takhat Singh of Marwar watching an elephant fight. Elephants were the animals most used for royal hunting and warfare and elephant fights were spectacles for Mughal and Rajput rulers.
Bulaki, Jodhpur, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, mid-19th century {Mehrangarh Museum Trust}
Emperor Akbar shoots Jaimal at the Seige of Chittoor. A highly populated canvas characterised the art style of the early phase.
From the ‘Akbarnama’, Opaque watercolor on paper, 1597 {Victoria & Albert museum}
Maharana Amar Singh I of Mewar submits to Prince Khurram.
Nanha
Mughal Court, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, c.1615-18 {Victoria & Albert museum}
Maharana Bhim Singh of Mewar recieving british officers in the Mor Chowk.
Chokha
Mughal Court, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, c.1615-18 {Maharana of Mewar Charitable foundation}
Maharana Ari Singh of Mewar at Jag Mandir shooting fish with arrows.
Jiva
Udaipur, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, 1767 {Maharana of Mewar Charitable foundation}
Maharana Takhat Singh of Mewar on a swing with ladies of his zenana.
Jodhpur, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, mid-19th century {Mehrangarh Museum Trust}
Chand Bibi of Bijapur shooting with her ladies. She was a legendary 16th century warrior Queen.
Deccan, Opaque watercolor and gold on paper, c.1750 {Victoria & Albert museum}
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
A page from my lil’ black book..
- Decorate your wall with different sized miniature collection of same theme.
- Use jewel toned silk for framing miniature paintings
[Image courtesy: Maharaja, by Roli]
