Humayun began an illustration project that Akbar continued. Which manuscript was it?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Hamza Nama
Option (1) Razm Nama — Incorrect. This Persian Mahabharata was done under Akbar. It was completed in 1589 under the master artist Daswant.
Option (2) Hamza Nama — Correct. Humayun started the illustration of Hamza Nama, and it was continued by his son Akbar.
Option (3) Akbar Nama — Incorrect. This was an account of Akbar’s own political and personal life, one of his most expensive projects.
Option (4) Tutinama — Incorrect. Its folio The Girl and the Parrot is dated 1580–1585, in Akbar’s reign. It is not named as a project Humayun began.
NCERT (2026-27): “Early Mughal Painting …A bibliophile of discerning sensitivity, Humayun’s rule began a period of intense patronage for the art of painting and calligraphy. …He founded the Nigaar Khana (painting workshop), which was also a part of his library. Not much is known about the size and composition of Humayun’s workshop in India. However, it is known that he started the project of illustration of Hamza Nama that was continued by his son and successor Akbar.” |