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The Mughal School of Miniature Painting
M
ughal painting is the style of miniature painting that
developed in the northern Indian subcontinent in the
sixteenth century and continued till the mid–nineteenth
century. It is known for its sophisticated techniques and
diverse range of subjects and themes. The Mughal miniature
painting inspired and resonated in subsequent schools and
styles of Indian painting, thereby, confirming a definite
position for the Mughal style within the Indian school of
paintings.
The Mughals were patrons of various art forms. Every
Mughal successor, based on his taste and preferences,
contributed towards enhancing the status of art, viz.,
calligraphy, painting, architecture, bookmaking, book
illustration projects, etc. They took keen interest in artists’
ateliers and nurtured unprecedented new styles that
heightened and accelerated the existing art scenario of
India. Therefore, for understanding the Mughal Painting, the
political history and genealogy of the Mughal dynasty is often
taken into account.
Influences on Mughal Painting
The Mughal style of miniature painting was responsible for
the amalgamation of indigenous themes and styles along
with Persian and later European themes and styles. The arts
of this period reflect a synthesis of foreign influences and
indigenous flavour. The peak of Mughal painting presented a
highly sophisticated blend of the Islamic, Hindu and European
visual culture and aesthetics. Given this diverse yet inclusive
nature, the affluence of the artworks produced in India during
this period surpasses the conventional and indigenous
Indian and Iranian painting of that time. The significance of
this style lies in the purpose and efforts of its patrons and
the unmatched skill of its artists. Together, they envisaged
and expressed a congregation of tastes, philosophies and
faiths by their extraordinary visual language.
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In the Mughal courts, arts became more formalised as
there were workshops and many artists were brought from
Iran, which resulted in a harmonious blend of Indo-Iranian
styles, especially during its early years. This celebrated
eminence in Mughal art was possible only due to its distinctive
character of assimilating and engaging artists of both Indian
and Iranian origins, who contributed towards making, and
further elevating the artistic paradigm of the Mughal style.
The Mughal atelier consisted of calligraphers, painters, gilders
and binders. Paintings recorded and documented significant
events, personalities and interests of the emperors. These were
meant to be seen by the royals only. The paintings were made
to suit the sensitivity of the royals or often made as intellectual
stimulation. The paintings were a part of manuscripts
and albums.