Chapter- 03

The Mughal School of

Miniature Painting

Origin and development

In medieval India, Mughal School of Miniature painting recognized as the 'Art of Aristocracy'.
The Mughal art was quite different from the Islamic art which was prevalent in 'Deccan Muslims
Empires' because, style of art, human figures and artist of the Islamic art came from the Islamic
world of Persia or Iran and Turkey. The paintings painted by that artist where Indian only on the
context that they were painted on Indian ground but the feelings of Indianness was not in them
at all. The view of the Mughal art was quite different not only Islamic art but also other artwork
in India This type of painting was not only Indian but also looked Indian. The artist of that period
had initiated to represent the Islam even in Indian style with Indian subject matter In that way
the Mughal art was not the Islamic art at all, only the Islamic elements were included in that to
make the paintings more prosperous.

The characteristics of Miniature Painting

Natural objects

In Mughal art, there are many natural elements used, like trees, grass, flowers etc to make the
paintings more prosperous.

Ornamental design

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In Mughal art, we can see much ornamental design used in many places.

Eg:- Costumes, Background, Border etc.

Transparent costume

In Mughal style, the artist used transparent costume like 'Angvastra'

Facial expression

In this school, the artist makes a portrait in profile manner and they used facial expression in
their paintings.

Eg:- Elongated eyes, sharp nose etc.

Border design and Scriptures

In Mughal art artist used ornamented designs like border and calligraphy art in Urdu.

Study of Paintings
1. Krishna lifting Mount Govardhana

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 Artist:- Miskin

School:- Akbar's School.

Period:- 1585 to 1590 A.D.

Medium:- Watercolour on paper

Technique:- Tempera

Subject Matter

This painting is based on the story of Lord Krishna. This painting's theme has been taken from
the 'Bhagwat Puran'.This painting seen is of that time when Krishna wants to lift the Govardhana
mountain in his little finger to serve the people of Gokul from the wrath of 'Indra' who had led
lose heavy rain.

Description

It is an early painting of Akbar's time. In this vertical painting, Krishna was shown lifting Mount
Govardhana on the little finger on his left hand. A big multicoloured mountain with deer and
other animals, trees etc, has been painted.

The handling of the huge mountains shows Persian influence. Under the
mountain, all Vrijavasi have gathered with their cattle to get sheltered from the 'Deluge' caused
by the angry rain god 'Indra'.On the top, the sky is shown with blue colour. Even under the
mountain dark blue colour sky is shown. Lord Krishna is painted in large size. Krishna is dressed
in his yellow costume with a large Garland of white flowers, standing in a relaxed posture lifting

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the huge mountain effortlessly. Mostly figures are 1½ eye which is also an influence of Persian
art. On the right side of Krishna, the trees are shown in bright green colour.

2. Babur Crossing the River Sone

Artist: Jagannath

Period:- 1598A.D.

Medium:- Watercolour on paper.

Technique:- Tempera

Subject matter

This painting belongs to the period of 1598 A.D.during Akbar's period when he got prepared this
painting through his artists in the memory of his grandfather, Babu. In this painting, Babur is
shown marching through Bihar and had to cross river Sone. He is riding on the boat named
'Gunjaish' surrounded by his attendants. The subject matter has been taken from 'Baburnama'

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Description

This painting depicts an incident which took place when Babur crossed the River Sone through a
bridge of boats in Bihar. Babur is sited on a platform on a large prominent boat named 'Gunjaish'
surrounded by attendants.

In the foreground, there is a boat in which the fish leap two soldiers
armed with muskets are firing at a crocodile. All the on-lookers are sharing the excitement which
the incident has provided.

In the foreground, a piece of land can be showing a man with a goat.

He is holding a stick in his hand Landscape occupies space in the background. This painting is
from 'Baburnama', the incident took place when Babur Marching through Bihar had to cross the
river, Sone. A number of boats were floated across the river tied with each other to form a bridge
across the two banks.

The artist has painted a 'Maulabi' on Babur's right side and another
praying in front, obviously for Babur's safety and success. Another person holds a book in his
hand which he reads probably a prayer to the almighty. Babur's brown horse, carried in a
separate boat, the lucky standards, the emblem of fortune and strength, have also been painted.

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 3. Jahangir holding the picture of Madona

Painter:- Abul Hassan

Period:- Circa 1620AD(Jahangir school)

Medium:-water colour on paper

Technique:-Tempera

Subject matter

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This painting belongs to Jahangir period .it depicts the Impact of Jahangir on all religions and
shows that even the Christian missionaries also visited his court. The main emphasis in this
painting is laid on "Calligraphy "

Description

In this painting, Jahangir is shown a young man holding the picture of Madonna in his right-hand
.his face shown in profile manner. This indicates towards all religions as even the Christian
missionaries also visited his court. This refinement of the style of painting in his days is evident
not only in the figure of Madona but also in the elegant border and beautiful calligraphy in
Nasdaliq script all sides of the painting. Highly decorated border is balanced with flowers. the
calligraphy of the painting is from all sides in a Marked place.

Jahangir has shown weaning a red Turban and green decorated costume and
he is also wearing white beads in his neck.

4. Falcon on a bird rest

Artist:-Ustad Mansoor

Period:-1618-20 (Jahangir’s Period)

Medium:- Watercolour on paper

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 Technique:- Tempera

Subject matter:-

The painting is based on Jahangir's house for birds and animals. he was a keen falconer and
treasured find specimens of falcon's brought from the different places. A superb Falcon brought
from the Persia was moulded by a cat and died. Jahangir asked his painters to paint his
precious pat Falcon to be preserved in 'JAHANGIRNAMA'

Description

This famous painting painted by artist during Jahangir's reign. Artist has known the emotion of
Emperor for his pet Falcon. in this painting a Falcon is sitting on a cushioned bird rest .on the
bird rest, 'Nadir-ul-Ast is signed by 'Ustad Mansoor' who was awarded this title. The cruel eye of
Falcon can be seen in this painting. The Falcon is painted in white against a yellow background
with brown details of its folded wings, a sharp beak and round vigilant eyes are painted in light
brown and yellow ochre deep colour.

In this painting there are some words- 'Jahangir Patashah' at the top,
'Bahari' near the Falcon and 'Uttam' on the bottom area are written.' Bahari' means Falcon and
'Uttam' means excellent.

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 5. Kabir and Raidas

Artist:- Ustad Faquirullah Khan

Period:- Circa 1640 A.D.

Medium:- Watercolour on paper

Technique:- Tempera

Subject matter

This painting belongs to the era Dara Shikoh (Son of Shah Jahan) who respected all religions
equally. This painting shows two prominent saints of that time, Kabir and Raidas. Dara Shikoh
being a Muslim has shown Hindu saints in the painting. This painting is one of the masterpieces
of that time.

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Description

This horizontal painting of Saint Kabir shows him waving a garment in a meditating mood. The
other saint, Raidas sitting close by, is also the same mood. Both are meditating on the same
religious topic. The painting brings simple and peaceful Indian village life, where 'Work is
worship'.The hits of the saint are in rural Indian villages The colours used are brown and light
blue. The border of the painting is light brown and shades are very fine.

Dara Shikoh respected both Hindus and Muslims saints. This is the
masterpiece of that time.

6. Marriage Procession of Dara Shikoh

Artist:- Haji Madni

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 Period:- Circa 1750 A.D.(Provincial Mughal School)

Medium:- Watercolour on paper

Technique:- Tempera

Subject matter

This painting is based on the marriage procession of Dara Shikoh. This painting suggests that
the artist was an award of the historical account of Dara Sikoh's fabulous marriage involving a
cost of huge amount.

Description

This magnificent painting, all-time masterpiece, is a vertical brilliant depiction of the marriage
procession of Dara Shikoh who is riding alert on a decorated horse, while his father is also riding
on another decorated horse just behind Dara Shikoh's back. He is followed by 3 attendants, one
bearing a candle, the second one holding horse and third one carry Chawri. The royal people
riding a horse and some are on food processing towards the bride’s house. A large gathering of
men and women is joyfully receiving the Bharat. Most of the figures are looking decorative.

The fabulous character of the marriage procession suggests that the artist was
aware of the historical account of Dara Shikoh's fabulous marriage involving a cost of huge
amount, the half of which amount was spent by his elder sister who was arranging the great
marriage and only translated into reality the wishes of her mother Mumtaz Mahal. Marvellous
depiction of various types of fireworks can be seen in the background. Well decorated border in
these white, red, green, Maroon turquoise blue with a touch of greyish black colours have been
used. Golden colour has also been used in important places. This beautifully done painting
brings the joy of the festive occasion.

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