The Mughal atelier consisted of calligraphers, painters, gilders and binders. For whom were the paintings of the Mughal atelier meant to be seen?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → The royals
Option (1) The general public — Incorrect. The paintings were not for the public. They were kept for the royals only.
Option (2) Visiting European envoys — Incorrect. Europeans who visited Jahangir’s court brought paintings as gifts. The atelier’s own paintings were not made for them.
Option (3) The scholars of the court — Incorrect. The paintings could serve as intellectual stimulation, but for the royals, not for court scholars.
Option (4) The royals — Correct. The paintings were meant to be seen by the royals only and were made to suit their sensitivity.
NCERT (2026-27): “Influences on Mughal Painting …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.” |