What was the contribution of the Mughals to painting as an art?
Answers
After the victory of Babur in the war of Panipat in 1526, the Mughal dynasty was established. As noteworthy as their rule and might in the Indian Subcontinent the interest of the rulers in developing the art, culture and architecture is also remarkable. The rule of Mughal Dynasty from the 16th to 18th century extensively displays art forms, architectural styles that developed vigorously around that time, portraying the amalgamation of styles of the Islamic world and India. The pattern and structures is subject of study till date. Some examples of these styles can be found in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Fort Building
Under the patronage of Mughal emperors, the architecture of forts and tombs saw a striking resemblance to Islamic architecture.
Persian and Indian styles were intelligently fused to create the works of quality and precision.
Placed in the walled gardened enclosure the forts had distinct domes, sleek towers at corners with the magnificent halls in the center supported by pillars and broad entrances.
Delicate ornamentation with arches, decorative sections with fine geometrical designs and inscriptions were major highlights.
The forts had arrangements for soldier barracks, private and public halls for meetings, horse and elephant stables, and gardens at the entrance. An example of which is the Red Fort by Shah Jahan.
Use of decorated colored tiles, painted designs on walls and ceiling, profusely carved doorways show the beautiful detailing and taste of the Emperors.
Extensive use of red sandstone and white marbles is seen in all the buildings of that time.
Palace Building
The palaces that the rulers inhabited were beautiful synthesis of perfect craftsmanship and inspirations of Indo-Persian traditions.
The entrance of the palaces had lush green gardens with symmetrically cut trees and small square structures for water fountains.
The palaces stand up on an elevated platform, with staircases and passages for several directions cut in perpendicular manner.
The passages of the palaces are broad with slender minarets that hold the domes and ceilings having miniature detailing and inscriptions.
The semi-precious stone of varied colors were used on walls of the palaces and the windows are delicately fabricated with designing of stone.
Ceilings were given special effect with pictures of flora and fauna in gold, silver and other precious stones.
Borders with inscriptions decorated the main archways and rooms of the palaces were well designed to cater natural light and adequate ventilation.
Humayun’s exposure to Persian miniature painting compelled him to get along accomplished Persian artists, Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad. Khamsa of Nizami, his own commission has 36 illuminated pages, with different styles of various artists.
Akbar inherited Humayun’s library and court painters; he expanded the art by paying close personal attention to its output. Among the major art pieces of the time were the Tutinama ("Tales of a Parrot"), The Gulistan, The Khamsa of Nizami, Darab Nama, and Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Akbar hired many painters to develop and spread the Mughal style painting in the years 1570 AD to 1585 AD.
Jahangir’s artistic inclination developed the Mughal Paintings further and the oil paints began being used. He encouraged the single point perspective of European artists and paintings became focused on real life events. The Jahangirnama, his autobiography had several paintings.
In Shah Jahan’s reign the Mughal paintings developed but they were rigid with themes of lovers in intimate positions, musical parties etc
Conclusion: The Mughal Era has extensively contributed to a rich and admirable architectural, literary and cultural history to India.
Answer:
Painting sought whole-hearted encouragement during the Mughal period. Both Babar and Humayun were art-loving. Two artists had accompanied Humayun from Iran. But Humayun expired before his art flourished.