According to his memoirs, Babur, the first Mughal emperor, had a keen eye for which art?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Portraiture
Option (1) Calligraphy — Incorrect. Calligraphers worked in the Mughal atelier, and royal books were calligraphed. Babur’s memoirs name portraiture, not calligraphy.
Option (2) Portraiture — Correct. Babur had a keen eye for portraiture, and this is recorded in his memoirs.
Option (3) Gilding — Incorrect. Gilders were one group of the Mughal atelier, beside calligraphers, painters and binders. Babur’s memoirs do not name this art.
Option (4) Bookbinding — Incorrect. Binders also worked in the atelier. Babur’s memoirs do not name this craft either.
NCERT (2026-27): “Early Mughal Painting …The books and albums that were produced in the royal ateliers were not only calligraphed but also painted. These books of value were preserved and passed on to members of the royal family or gifted to those perceived as deserving. Babur had a keen eye for portraiture and this is also recorded in his memoirs. Among the artists, who find mention in Babur’s memoirs is Bihzad.…” |