Describe the contribution of the Mughals in the field of painting. What were the main themes of Mughal paintings?

Or

Give an elaborate account of the contribution of the Mughals in painting. What were the salient features of Mughal painting?

Or

Describe the contribution of the Mughals to the growth of arcbitecture and painting in India.

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.

1.    Painting during Akbar’s period : Painting during Akbar’s period got an Indian touch hence the effect of foreign touch gradually disappeared. The chief painters in Akbar’s court were : Sanwal Dass, Jagannath, Tarachand, etc. Akbar opened separate department for the progress of painting with Abdul Samad as its head. The Mughal style began reflecting itself during this period which was an admixture of Indian and Iranian art.

2.    Painting during Jahangir’s Period : Jahangir was so well conversant in art and paintings that he could name the painter on seeing the painting. His chief painters were -Aga Raza, Abdul Hussain, Mohammad Nadir and Mohammad Murad. Jahangir spent lavishly for the progress of painting. The Indian reflection replaced the Iranian reflection now.

3.    Painting during Shah Jahan’s period : Shah Jahan had a special taste for architecture. But it cannot be said with certainty that Shah Jahan’s period remained untouched in the field of painting. The chief painters of this time were : Mir Hassan, Anoop, Chinamani, Chitra etc. Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Shah Jahan had a special taste for painting. His favourite painters were: Faqui Ullah, Mir Kasim, etc.

4.    Painting in Aurangzeb’s Period : Aurangzeb was a staunch Mohammedan. He used to say, “To encourage painting is against the dictates of Quran”. He discharged his court painters. He got the paintings made on the walls of Fatehpur Sikri errected. The jobless painters sought shelter in neighbouring states like Avadh, Mysore, Hyderabad etc.

Chief characteristics of Paintings of Mughal period :

(i)    Paintings of the Mughal period were beyond the lives of the laymen. That was deemed as only the thing of the court. Hence the royal families, natural scenes, wars, animal fights, hunting, royal processions, etc. were painted in the paintings of this period.

(ii)    There was no painting related to religious matters in Mughal paintings whereas there was an overflow of paintings on earthly and natural beauty.

(iii)    Special emphasis was laid on natural scenes in the paintings of the Mughal period. The natural and scenic beauty was portrayed in the background of every painting.

(iv)    Special emphasis was laid on the individual paintings of the Mughal rulers since the painters not only gained financially but also came in the good books of the ruling class. On gaining their pleasure, the painters got a place in the royal court.