Prince Khurram ruled the Mughal empire as Shah Jahan (1628–1658). How did the artworks produced under his encouragement differ from those of his predecessors?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Idealisation and great stylisation were preferred over naturalistic rendering
Option (1) Refined court scenes were preferred over war scenes and narratives — Incorrect. This marks Jahangir’s time, when the war scenes and narrative of Akbar’s style were overtaken by lavish court scenes. It does not describe Shah Jahan’s change.
Option (2) Works by a single master were preferred over mass production — Incorrect. This sets Jahangir’s atelier apart from Akbar’s, where works were mass produced. It does not describe Shah Jahan’s change.
Option (3) Idealisation and great stylisation were preferred over naturalistic rendering — Correct. Shah Jahan’s artists blended imagination with documentation. Idealisation and great stylisation took the place of naturalistic rendering.
Option (4) Political and religious themes were preferred over delicate observation — Incorrect. Akbar commissioned politically and religiously significant works, while Jahangir encouraged delicate observation. Neither marks Shah Jahan’s period.
NCERT (2026-27): “The Mughal School of Miniature Painting The son of Jahangir, Prince Khurram, succeeded the throne of Delhi by the name Shah Jahan (1628–1658). With this, he not only acquired a politically stable empire but also the finest of artist and atelier. Shah Jahan encouraged the artists in the atelier to create magnificent works that were a blend of imagination and documentation. Idealisation and great stylisation were preferred over naturalistic rendering and accurate depiction. The artworks produced under his supervision concentrated on subliminal qualities and exalted beautification, which was created by the use of jewel-like colours, perfect rendering and intricate fine lines.” |