Life at the Mughal court as revealed in contemporary paintings

Abstract

Mughal history is a branch of Indian history which compels the full attention. In consequence of the Mughals' achievements, political, military, and artistic, their fabulous fame and wealth, 'Mughal' is not a mere name, but has grown into a concept, often and gladly quoted. Their history is never dull - from whatever angle it is examined and not just the military part of it - the empire-founding, the battles, the expansion and consolidation - but also its peacetime activities draw our full interest - its economic development - how it was built into a solid, mighty structure and especially its achievements in the field of fine arts and literature - reaching dizzying heights, from architecture and painting through to jewellery. But also of interest are the very personal activities of some of its rulers like Jahangir, the accounts of whose hunting parties vie with the best written adventure stories ever written. The accounts of Mughal court life with its magnificence, the dazzling colourfulness of its darbars, its receptions of famous visitors, and foreign ambassadors - even when it is most routine - are never boring; but there is the feeling that one has witnessed an unforgettable spectacular event. Show more