A bibliophile of discerning sensitivity, Humayun’s rule began a period of intense patronage for the art of painting and calligraphy. From his period, we get clear visual and textual documents that testify an active interest in building an artistic repertoire and an imperial atelier. This is an indication of Humayun’s artistic taste and helps us form a picture of Humayun as a connoisseur and an aesthete. 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.

Who were the Persian artists invited by Humayun to establish a studio in his court?

Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad

Answer- Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad
Humayun invited two Persian artists, Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad, to establish a studio in his court and carry out royal paintings.

Babur was succeeded by his son Humayun in 1530, who unfortunately fell prey to political unrest, and his life took many unexpected turns. Dethroned by an Afghan, Sher Khan (Sher Shah), Humayun took refuge in the court of the Safavid Persian ruler, Shah Tahmasp. Although inglorious for his political career, this was fortunate for the startling turn that the art of manuscript and painting under him took as a result of his stay in Safavid. It was during his exile in Shah Tahmasp’s court that Humanyun witnessed the magnificent artistic tradition of miniature paintings and manuscripts. He was thrilled to see the skillful artists in practice, creating splendid works of art for Shah Tahmasp. With the assistance of Shah Tahmasp, Humayun established his court in Kabul in 1545. Humayun increasingly identified himself with a political and cultural agenda for his dynastic empire that was eclectic and assimilative. Impressed by the artists and with an ambition to recreate such art workshops in India, Humayun brought back with him the master artists when he regained power in India. He invited two Persian artists — Mir Sayyid Ali and Abd us Samad to establish a studio in his court and carry out royal paintings. It is important to note here that both the artists were famous and respected particularly for their skills in the art of portraiture.