Identify the subject matters of the Mughal miniature paintings.

A. Part of manuscripts

B. Part of book illustrations

C. Mostly calligraphic with borders

D. Part of decoration and designing

E. Mostly related to abstract art

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

A, B, C only

The correct answer is Option 4- A, B, C only

A. Part of manuscripts
B. Part of book illustrations
C. Mostly calligraphic with borders

The Mughals were patrons of various art forms. Every Mughal successor, based on his taste and preferences, contributed towards enhancing the status of art, viz., calligraphy, painting, architecture, bookmaking, book illustration projects, etc. They took keen interest in artists’ ateliers and nurtured unprecedented new styles that heightened and accelerated the existing art scenario of India. Therefore, for understanding the Mughal Painting, the political history and genealogy of the Mughal dynasty is often taken into account.

Humayun’s rule began a period of intense patronage for the art of painting and calligraphy. Humayun also started the project of illustration of Hamza Nama that was continued by his son and successor Akbar. Akbar, believed to be suffering from dyslexia (a condition where a person finds difficulty in reading), laid great emphasis on illustration of manuscripts. It was under his patronage that several seminal projects of translation and illustration of manuscripts were carried out. 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. The paintings were made to suit the sensitivity of the royals or often made as intellectual stimulation. The paintings were a part of manuscripts and albums.

Most of the paintings that we see as Mughal miniatures were parts of manuscripts and royal albums, i.e., the visual and text shared space in a given format. The artists were good at making ornate borders. The ornate borders of the painting are additions made in Shah Jahan’s reign in the Zebra painting.