Culture during Mughal Empire-I - UPSC PDF Download

Literature during Mughals

• Persian, Sanskrit and regional languages developed during the Mughal rule.
• Persian was the language of administration in Mughal Empire.
• The greatest contribution in the field of literature during the Mughal rule was the development of Urdu as a common language of communication for people speaking different dialects.
• Babur wrote his autobiography, Tuzuk-i-Baburi in Turki language.
• This autobiography gives details of flora and afauna in India.

 Illustrations in the Baburnama regarding the fauna of India.

• Babarnama(translation of tuzuk I baburi) was written in Persian by Abdul Rahim Khan.
• Abdul Fazl has written Akbarnama (history of Akbar) and Ain-i-Akbari(administration book).
• Jahangir hasitten his autobiography as Tuzuk-i-jahangiri.
• Mutamid khan has written biography of Jahangir as Iqbalnamah-i-Jahangir.
• Shahjahan’s biography padshanamah was written by two author. They were Abdul Hamid lahori and Inayat Khan. Inayat khan wrote shahjahan namah.
• Persian literature was enriched by translations of Sanskrit works.
• The Mahabharata was translated under the supervision of Abul Faizi, brother of
  Abul Fazal and a court poet of Akbar.
• Dara Shikoh translated the Bhagavat Gita and Upanishads into the Persian language. His most famous work, Majma-ul-Bahrain.
• Badauni was bitter critic of Akbar. He translated Mahabharata into Persian as Razanamah.
• Regional languages such as Bengali, Oriya, Rajasthani and Gujarathi had also developed during this period.
• From the time of Akbar, Hindi poets were attached to the Mughal court. The most influential Hindi poet was Tulsidas, who wrote the Hindi version of the Ramayana, the Ramcharitmanas.
• Jaganath Pandithraya , court poet of Shahjahan has written two Sanskrit books Ganga Lahari and Rasagangadharam.

Architecture during Mughals

Mughal architecture is a construction style that thrived in northern and central India from the mid-16th to late-17th centuries under the patronage of Mughal rulers. Famous buildings such as Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, etc were built under them. 

Mughal Architecture

• In northern India, the Mughal period saw a remarkable rebirth of Islamic architecture.
• Persian, Indian, and diverse regional styles were combined under the patronage of the Mughal emperors to produce works of exceptional beauty and finesse.
• It grew so popular, particularly in north India, that it was reflected in colonial architecture in the Indo-Saracenic style.

Features

• It was built in a mix of Indian, Persian, and Turkish architectural styles.
• It included various types of structures, including impressive gates (entrances), forts, mausoleums, palaces, mosques, sarais, and so on.
• The most common building materials were red sandstone and white marble.
• Specialty - Charbagh gardens with noticeable bulbous domes, thin turrets at corners, large entrances, magnificent calligraphy, arabesque, and geometric patterns on pillars and walls, and royal halls supported on pillars.
• The arches, chhatri, and other forms of domes were extremely popular in Indo-Islamic architecture, which was further developed by the Mughals.

Mughal Architetcure - TimelineBabur

Babur built mosques at Panipat and Rohilkhand, both of which were completed in 1526 AD. His rule, however, was much too brief to inspire any new style or approach.

Kabuli Bagh Mosque, Panipat

Humayun

• Humayun's reign was characterized by a persistent fight for dominance with Sher Shah Suri.
• As a result, he was unable to devote much time to art and architecture. He oversaw the construction of Dinpanah but was unable to complete it.
• The Persian style gained popularity in the building during this time period.

Sher Shah

• In Delhi, he constructed the Qila-e-Quhunah (Old Fort Mosque).
• To commemorate his rule, he erected the famed Rohtas Fort in Pakistan and the Sher Shah Suri Masjid in Patna, both in Afghan architecture.
• His reign marks the shift from the Lodi to the Mughal architectural styles.
• He also reconstructed and extended an existing Mauryan roadway, renaming it Sadak-e-Azam , which subsequently became known as Grand Trunk Road.
• He made certain that there were enough sarais and trees for travelers.
• Sher Shah Suri's tomb was erected at Sasaram, where he was born. It's composed of red sandstone and sits in the middle of a lake.
• Sher Shah's works carried on the traditions of the Delhi Sultanate period.

Sher Shah Suri Masjid, Patna

Akbar

• The golden age of Delhi, as well as the Mughal Architecture, began in 1556 when Akbar came to the throne of Delhi.
• The usage of red sandstone was a prominent aspect of the structures throughout Akbar's reign.
• He also popularised the term "Tudor arch" (four centered arch).

The following are some of the most notable construction projects done during Akbar's reign:

(i) Agra Fort

• It is a fortification in Agra.
• It was one of the earliest structures to be built during Akbar's rule.
• The majority of the constructions inside the fort, however, were built during Shah Jahan's reign. The following are some of the notable structures in the area:
  • Moti Masjid by Shah Jahan.
  • Diwan-i-aam (Hall of Public Audience) and Diwan-i-khas (Hall of Private Audience) by Shah Jahan.
  • The Jahangiri Mahal.
  • Sheesh Mahal (Turkish Bath).

Agra Fort

(ii) Fatehpur Sikri

• The construction of a new capital city by Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri is one of the highlights of Indo-Islamic architecture.
• The structures here exhibit a unique combination of Hindu and Persian architecture, and have been described as a "frozen moment in history."
• Buland Darwaza, a 40-meter red sandstone edifice erected in 1576 AD to celebrate Akbar's victory over Gujarat, is one of the city's most notable structures. It is the world's tallest doorway.
• The Tomb of Salim Chishti was erected in 1581 AD. It contains lovely white marble Jaali craftsmanship, arabesque designs on the walls, as well as inscriptions of Quranic texts.
• Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid are also part of the imperial complex. In 1606 AD, Jahangir decorated it more.

Buland Darwaza

• The Panch Mahal is a five-storey edifice built of columns that is based on the Persian badgir idea (wind-catcher).
• The interiors of Jodha Bai's Palace, also known as Mariam-uz-Zamani's Palace (Mary of the Age), are decorated with Hindu bell and floral themes.
• Ibadat Khana: This is where Akbar would meet with religious authorities to address issues.
• Pachisi Court, where Akbar is claimed to have played chess in the courtyard.
• The Hiran Minar was named after Akbar's favourite elephant, Hiran. It also acted as a traveler's lighthouse. It is a one-of-a-kind design, with tusk-like spikes on the external wall.
• In Vrindavan, Akbar also constructed a Govind Dev shrine.

Jahangir

• Architecture took a back seat during Jahangir's reign, as he focused more on paintings and other types of art.
• He did, however, supervise the construction of several notable monuments, such as Akbar's Tomb in Sikandra.
• During his rule, he also built a number of gardens, including the Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir and in Lahore; he also constructed the Moti Masjid.
• During Jahangir's reign, his wife Noor Jahan also conducted some large construction projects, one of which being the Tomb of Itmad-ud-daulah (Noor Jahan's father).
• During this time, white marble began to replace the previously utilised red sandstone as the primary construction material.
• Itmad-ud-daulah's tomb was the first Mughal structure composed entirely of white marble.
• It also has some of the best masterpieces in pietra dura.
• Jahangir's tomb was built at Lahore by his son Shah Jahan.

Shah Jahan

Mughal architecture reached its pinnacle under Shah Jahan. The following are some of his most important works:

• The Taj Mahal is the best example of Mughal architecture, displaying the entire range of wealth and majesty.
• It was built in honor of his wife, Arjumand Banu Begum, also known as Mumtaz Mahal.
• The employment of calligraphy, pietra-dura works, foreshortening method, Charbagh style gardens, and the usage of water in the premises for ornamentation were all hallmarks of Mughal architecture. Apart from that, the Taj Mahal has several distinctive features:
  • The jaali work in Taj Mahal is lace-like and incredibly exquisite;
  • The marble carvings were low relief.

Taj Mahal

• Apart from the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan built a number of other monuments, gardens, and structures, including the Red Fort in Delhi, the Jama Masjid in Delhi, and the Shalimar Bagh in Lahore.
• Aside from large-scale structures, one of his outstanding works was the Peacock Throne, which is considered one of the finest examples of metalwork during this time period.

Aurangazeb

• Mughal architecture deteriorated under Aurangazeb's reign. He did not take an active interest in the pursuit of art and architecture since he was puritanical.
• Aurangzeb, on the other hand, commissioned the construction of Bibi-ka-Maqbara in honor of his wife, Begum Rabia-ud-Daurani. It is located in Aurangabad and is said to be a poor copy of the Taj Mahal.

Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad

During the Mughal period, two other styles of architecture developed in the region of Rajasthan and Punjab.

Rajput Style

• The Rajput construction was influenced by Mughal style of the time, but they were distinct in terms of scale and breadth.
• They were primarily responsible for the construction of grandiose palaces and forts.
• The cornices were made in the shape of an arch so that the shadow took the shape of a bow.

Hawa Mahal

Sikh Style

• The Sikh architectural style arose in the modern-day Punjab area.
• It was highly influenced by Mughal and Rajput architectural styles.
• The following are some of the characteristics of a Sikh styel:
  • Using many Chhatris (kiosks) on the roof of the building.
  • The structures featured fluted domes that were typically coated with brass and copper panels for decoration and support.
  • The arches were ornamented with a variety of foliations.
• Shri Harmandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, was built during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Conclusion

Mughal architecture is a unique Indo-Islamic architectural style that flourished in northern and central India from the 16th to the 18th centuries under the patronage of Mughal monarchs. It's a stunningly symmetrical and ornate blend of Persian, Turkish, and Indian architecture.

Mughal Painting

Mughal painting is a sophisticated blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences. Mughal paintings were created in India during the reign of Mughal Emperors (16th to 19th century). Battles, court scenes, banquets, legendary stories, hunting scenes, nature, portraits, and so on were all common themes in Mughal paintings. The paintings inherited their importance through the sincerity and passion of their patrons and the outstanding abilities of the artists who developed them. They envisioned and communicated by generating such an exceptional visual language. 

History & Origin of Mughal Paintings

• The Delhi Sultanate reigned over most of the Indian subcontinent prior to the emergence of the Mughal Empire.
• Miniature painting has been developing in many places since the 10th century, and it flourished in numerous regional courts throughout the Sultanate of Delhi.
• When Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, returned from exile, he took two renowned Persian artists – Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd al-Samad – with him.
• These Persian artists created several notable paintings, notably the ‘Khamsa of Nizami,’ based on Humayun’s directions.
• These paintings strayed from traditional Persian art, resulting in the birth of a new art form known as ‘Mughal Painting.’ Subsequent Mughal kings expanded on the Mughal paintings.
• The Tutinama (‘Tales of a Parrot’) Painting is the first example of the Mughal style.

Key Features of Mughal Paintings

• The Mughal paintings are known as miniature paintings’ because of their small size.
• Despite the fact that Mughal art incorporated Indian culture, it did not depict Indian feelings or situations from daily life. As a result, the Mughal painting was restricted to the Mughal court and did not reach the general public.
• Persian painters accompanied the Mughal monarchs. At the same time, they supported Indian painters, and the synthesis arose from the partnership between these two schools of painters.
• Aside from Persian fable novels, topics from the Mahabharata and Ramayana were also chosen. Scenes and sceneries from India became popular.
• The Mughal school paintings gained more appeal, elegance, and majesty under Jahangir.
• The emperor Jahangir was captivated by nature and delighted in painting portraits of birds, animals, and flowers.
• The Mughal courtiers and provincial officers, inspired by their overlord, began funding artists trained in the Mughal method of painting.
• The artists who worked for the Imperial Government were referred to as first-class artists. Imperial Mughal Painting is the name given to the works created by these first-class artists.
• Because the provinces had access to lesser artists, the work produced in the provinces was known as ‘Popular Mughal’ or ‘Provincial Mughal’ painting, which had all of the fundamental qualities of Imperial Mughal painting but was of lower quality.

Growth of the Mughal Painting Under Various Mughal Emperors

• The Mughal painting gained a lot of popularity among monarchs, who found the concept of portraying oneself in a royal manner fascinating.
• It was also a fantastic artistic medium through which they could display their bravery and accomplishments.
• Following Humayun’s death, his son Akbar took over and extended his father’s library. He was especially interested in the arts, and Mughal painting blossomed during his reign.
• The Mughal painting became even more famous as a result of the stimulus it acquired during Akbar’s reign, and it was carried on by Shah Jahan and Dara Sikoh.

Let’s look at how Mughal painting evolved and grew during the reigns of several Mughal kings.

Growth of Mughal Paintings under Akbar

• Akbar encouraged and supported art since he had learned the complexities of arts and paintings under Abd as-Samad.
• The Mughal painting progressed and developed at a remarkable speed throughout his reign. Akbar commissioned a large number of paintings and paid special attention to the ultimate results of all of them.
• In Akbar’s court, he had a large number of artists. He commissioned a series of large-scale paintings to work between 1560 and 1577.
• ‘Tutinama,’ which literally translates to ‘Tales of a Parrot,’ was one of the first paintings of works commissioned by Akbar. ‘Tutinama’ is a 52-part Persian narrative told in episodic form. In order to tell the story of ‘Tutinama’ in an aesthetic way, Akbar commissioned 250 miniature paintings.
• Two Iranian artists, Abdus Samad and Mir Sayyid Ali, were tasked with finishing the project, and it took them nearly five years to complete ‘Tutinama.’ ‘Tutinama’ is currently on display at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Ohio.
• The legend of Amir Hamza was told in ‘Hamzanama,’ the second major undertaking commissioned by Akbar. Because Akbar had admired these stories as a child, he commissioned the re-creation of ‘Hamzanama,’ which comprised 1400 Mughal miniature paintings that were extremely large for miniatures.
• Mir Sayyid Ali, who was later replaced by Abdus Samad, was in charge of a team of up to 30 primary artists.
• ‘Gulistan,’ ‘Darab Nama,’ ‘Khamsa of Nizami,’ ‘Baharistan,’ and other renowned paintings commissioned by Akbar include ‘Gulistan,’ ‘Darab Nama,’ ‘Khamsa of Nizami,’ and others.
•  At Fatehpur Sikri, Saadi Shirazi composed his masterpiece, ‘Gulistan.’ From 1570 through 1585, Akbar employed over a hundred painters in his court to create Mughal paintings.

Growth of Mughal Paintings under Jahangir

• Jahangir, like his father, showed an interest in the arts, which was important to the development of Mughal art.
•  During his reign, Mughal painting flourished. Because Jahangir was heavily influenced by European painting, he instructed his painters to utilise the single-point perspective popular among European painters.
• The Mughal painting was given a whole new viewpoint as a result of this. Jahangir even drew inspiration from European paintings depicting the replicas of kings and queens, instructing his painters to copy them.
• As a result, Jahangir’s Mughal paintings tended to have finer brushwork and warmer colours.
• The ‘Jahangirnama,’ for example, was one of the great works he undertook. Jahangirnama, was the autobiography of Jahangir which comprises a number of paintings illustrating odd topics like spider war.
• One of the famous painters of that time was Ustad Mansoor. Zebra, Turkey, and Maulana-do-Pyaza were some of the famous paintings.
• His painters also painted several individual portraits of Jahangir. He did, however, commission several paintings of birds, animals, and flowers that were realistically depicted.

Growth of Mughal Paintings under Shah Jahan

• During Shah Jahan’s reign, Mughal painting continued to flourish, however, the paintings shown at the court became increasingly stiff and formal. Although, he did commission a large number of paintings for his own library.
• These paintings were influenced by themes like gardens and images, which brought a lot of visual pleasure.
• The ‘Padshahnama’ was one of the most important works produced during his reign. With copious amounts of gold plating, this work was meant to appear luxurious. The ‘Padshanama,’ which detailed the King’s accomplishments, also included drawings of the courtiers and servants.
• The art was so detailed that even servants were painted with exquisite nuances that gave each character a distinct personality.
• The monarch and other significant dignitaries were depicted by strictly adhering to the norms of strict metamodeling, whereas the servants and courtiers were depicted utilising the frontal view technique.

Growth of Mughal Paintings under Aurangzeb

• Despite the fact that Aurangzeb did not support or encourage any type of art, including painting, Mughal painting had already established popularity among the common people and a number of patrons.
• During Aurangzeb’s reign, some of the best Mughal art was created. While Aurangzeb did not commission these paintings, it is reported that veteran painters made a few on their own in the studios of previous Mughal kings.
• When painters realised that Aurangzeb would eventually order the closing of these workshops, they chose to make some of their greatest works, which tends to result in some magnificent paintings.

Growth of Mughal Paintings under Muhammad Shah

• Mughal painting experienced a brief renaissance during the reign of Muhammad Shah, who was a patron of the arts.
• He fostered and supported painting, and he employed two of the best artists of the time, Nidha Mal and Chitarman.
• Scenes from the royal court, feasts, festivals, the king’s hunting experiences, and dangerous pastimes like hawking were frequently featured in their paintings.

The Decline of Mughal Painting

• Unfortunately, after Muhammad Shah’s death, the Mughal paintings began to decline.
• Various additional schools of painting with Mughal influence evolved in several provincial courts during the Mughal Empire’s decay, including Rajput and Pahari paintings.
• Almost all genres of Indian painting were influenced by Western art after the arrival of the British East India Company.
• With the arrival of Shah Alam II, the art had practically vanished, and new schools of painting, known as Rajput paintings, began to emerge.