Many artists were brought from Iran to work in the Mughal court workshops, or atelier. The paintings of the atelier recorded and documented the significant events, personalities and interests of whom?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → The emperors
Option (1) The aristocratic families — Incorrect. Works for aristocratic families were made in the sub-imperial courts, and these families tried to copy the taste of the Mughal court atelier. The atelier itself recorded the emperors.
Option (2) The kings of Iran — Incorrect. Many artists were brought from Iran to the Mughal workshops. They painted for the Mughal court, and their paintings recorded the emperors, not the rulers of Iran.
Option (3) The emperors — Correct. The atelier’s paintings recorded the significant events, personalities and interests of the emperors, and were meant for the royals only.
Option (4) The Deccani sultans — Incorrect. The Deccani sultans had their own courts and their own schools of painting in the Deccan. The Mughal atelier recorded the Mughal emperors.
NCERT (2026-27): “Influences on Mughal Painting …In the Mughal courts, arts became more formalised as there were workshops and many artists were brought from Iran, which resulted in a harmonious blend of Indo-Iranian styles, especially during its early years. …The Mughal atelier consisted of calligraphers, painters, gilders and binders. Paintings recorded and documented significant events, personalities and interests of the emperors. These were meant to be seen by the royals only.” |