Mughal_School_of_Miniature_Painting.pptx

The Mughal School of Miniature Painting

1. The Mughal School of Miniature Painting From NCERT – An Introduction to Indian Art (Part II) Class XII | Simplified for Classroom Teaching

2. Introduction • The Mughal School of Miniature Painting developed in the 16th–18th centuries. • Originated under the patronage of Mughal emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. • Combined Persian style with Indian themes to create a unique Indo-Persian art form.

3. Main Characteristics • Naturalism and detailed observation of nature and people. • Rich colours, fine lines, and realistic portraits. • Depiction of court scenes, battles, hunting, flora, and fauna. • Use of perspective and depth.

4. Mughal Painting under Akbar • Akbar (1556–1605) established the Mughal school of painting. • Encouraged Indian artists and Persian masters to work together. • Famous works: ‘Akbarnama’, ‘Hamzanama’. • Themes: historical events, royal life, and religion.

5. Mughal Painting under Jahangir • Jahangir (1605–1627) was deeply interested in art and nature. • Paintings became more refined and focused on portraits and naturalism. • Famous painters: Ustad Mansur, Abu’l Hasan. • Example: ‘Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings’.

6. Mughal Painting under Shah Jahan • Art became more decorative and formal. • Focus on court scenes and architecture. • Use of bright colours, gold, and ornamental borders.

7. Decline of Mughal Painting • Declined after Aurangzeb’s rule due to lack of royal patronage. • Artists migrated to provincial courts – led to rise of regional styles like Rajput and Pahari. • Yet, it left a strong impact on Indian art traditions.

8. Famous Mughal Miniatures 1. ‘Akbar Hunting Lions’ – Basawan 2. ‘Jahangir Preferring a Sufi Shaikh to Kings’ – Bichitr 3. ‘Falcon on a Perch’ – Ustad Mansur 4. ‘Shah Jahan with Aurangzeb’ – Balchand

9. Legacy of the Mughal School • Inspired later Indian miniature styles (Rajasthani, Pahari, Deccani). • Set new standards for realism, beauty, and fine detailing. • A blend of Persian precision and Indian creativity.

10. Conclusion The Mughal School of Miniature Painting is a golden chapter in Indian art history. It reflects royal grandeur, artistic excellence, and cultural fusion that shaped the visual identity of medieval India.