The Influence of Persia on Mughal Miniature Painting



[Name of the Institute]

Abstract

This is the research paper about the influence of Persia on the Mughal miniature paintings. Persia has direct influence on the Mughal miniature paintings. The foundation of Mughal arts was established by it. The most skilful and esteemed painters from Persia rendered their services in the Mughal court. These painters had played pivotal role in the development of the Mughal arts. They trained royal painters under their patronage. Humayun himself took great painters from the Persia and pave the way for the establishment of the Mughal arts. Akbar the great was a liberal king and he also learnt paintings from these expert painting artists. On the other hand, Shah Jahan also reflects his interest in the paintings. He utilized Persian glory of arts in the Taj Mahal. It is the historic evidence that Mughal miniatures paintings is greatly influence from the Persia. There art gallery is incomplete without discussing the contribution of Persia.

Introduction0

Background1

Discussions2

Image is take from: http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/23.264.16

Summary6

Conclusion8

References9

The Influence of Persia on Mughal Miniature Painting

Introduction

The Mughal rulers were truly inspired from the art of the Persia. The history of its influence goes back to the Tamerlane also know as Timur. He brought some great artists from Persia to the Samarkand. The art work of Mughal was initiated by these great artists of Tabriz. There were some core similarities between Persia and Mughal, which includes, same religion i.e. Muslim origin, dialect, and same boundary of both kingdoms. These were major aspects which played pivotal role for the culturally and artistically influence of Persia on the Mughal Miniature paintings. During the rule of Mughal in India, different rulers from Babur to the last King Shah Zafar had shown a great interest in the paintings because of their ancestral love for miniatures.

Akbar the great had a profound interest in paintings; he took classes form Persian painters. He rewarded many artists for their outstanding and beautiful paintings. On the other hand shah Jahan (r.1605-1627) built a mausoleum in commemoration of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. In which Persian artistic reflects. After the death of Akbar the great, Jahangir and his wife continued the art work. This is also influenced from the Persia because Nur Jahan was by origin Persian.

The entire Mughal kingdom was under the artistic work of the Persia. This remained for many years. In history, Mughal and Persian arts intermingles as it can be witnessed from the Mughal miniatures paintings.

Persian artists established arts in the Mughal kingdom. Some of the great artist includes Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyid. These painters engaged in portraying the life and adventures of Muslim heroes. One of such examples was the Hamzanama, uncle of Prophet Muhammad. Rulers of Mughal put their great interest for the miniature paintings with the help of Persian painters. The Persian influence in the Mughal paintings brought great revolution in the Mughal art gallery. These artists not only counter the human activities of the past but also the animal painting ...