Indian Miniatures Of The Mughal Court

Rogers presents a classic, beautifully illustrated concise introduction to the history and development of miniature painting in Mughal India during the 16th and 17th centuries.

This book journeys through the development and decline of the schools of Indian miniature painting. The represented masterpieces bear testimony to the genius of the painters. Of special interest is the context, portrayed through contemporary literature and chronicles that throw light on the lives of these master artists.

Illustrations: Numerous B/w & Colour Illustrations Description: The present work is based on an extensive and critical study of the original Mughal paintings supported by contemporary historical literature and provides fresh perspective for the interpretation and analysis of the painter's art under the Mughals. After a brief discussion on painting in Islam the author goes on to expound the nature and role of pre-Mughal indigenous traditions in the making of Mughal style. Thereafter, the study turns towards the origin and development of Mughal painting from Humayun to Aurangzeb. Finally, the various influences--Persian, Chinese and European--have been examined. The author concludes that Mughal painting reflecte a non-mechanical fusion of the different cultures of Asia and Europe. It had never been a colonial expression of Persian painting. Despite the presence of a number of elements borrowed from foreign sources, it remained truly Indian from the very beginning. This richly illustrated volume carries finest treasures of Mughal court paintings.

Jahangir : A Connoisseur Of Mughal Art Is Author'S Third Great Work Showing The Character And Personality Of Prince Salim Who Ruled India After The Death Of Akbar. It Tends To Portray The Aesthetic Taste Of Emperor Jahangir As An Unrivalled Connoisseur Of Mughal Art Besides Being A Shrewd Administrator Of Mughal Empire. The Primary Sources Attempts To Present The Artistic Heritage Of His Ancestors Followed By His Own Innovations Known As Muraqqas In Miniature Painting Which Stand Out As Rare Specimens Of Mughal Painting In The Entire Range Of Art History.Jahangir, Who Has Been Depicted As A Great Campaigner Of Wars, Was Also An Avowed Lover Of Natural Phenomena As Also Famous Naturalist Lover Of Mughal Art. What Excelled All Others Styles Of His Reign Was Aspect Of Sophistication And Refinement Which Characterize The Miniatures, Muraqqas Produced In Jahangir'S Atelier.It Was Based On Detailed Analytical Study Of The Trends And Tendencies Patronised By Him. Jahangir Devoted Enough Time To The Study And Enjoyment Of Painting During His Stay At Lahore Which Became A Hub Of Artistic Activity. It Was Here That Most Significant Manuscripts Were Illustrated. Many Noted Artists Worked At Lahore Kingdom. Lahore Became The Second Capital Of The Mughal Empire From Where Radiated Art, Culture, Language And Literature Throughout India.He Was A Man Of Wide Literary Taste, Having Intense Love For Poetry, Music, History, Geography, Architecture, Painting And Fine Arts. A Typical Mughal Culture Would Have Been Impossible Without This Intellectual And Artistic Contribution.

Present collection of essays researched and analyzed by S.P. Verma, since 1973, provides the readers an introduction to the Mughal painting. The sixteen studies in this volume offer afresh interpretation of the Mughal miniatures. These relate to the aesthetic values, art-forms, signs and symbols, and the social and cultural history. Most importantly, Akbar`s attempt to liberale painting from the straitjacket of sectarian ideology is the theme of Chapter 1.2. The `artists signatures` (Chapter 1.4) and `self-portraits` (Chapter 3.4) are the new features introduced with the rise of Mughal school. The volume draws on diverse textual sources to delve into the social history of dominant themes, motifs and styles. Verma presents a vivid account of the sixteenth century narrative art (Chapter 2.1), and major illustrated manuscripts (Chapters 2.2-3.4, and 7). Chapter 1.1 provides insights into the life and times of patrons and artists. Verma also touches parallel art tradilions. His approach to the subject features the Mughal painting as an historical source.