Characteristics and Prominent Features of Mughal Miniatures from the 16th to 18th Century

Rafia Ejaz and Dr. Fatima Zahra

Abstract

A defining feature of South Asia's creative legacy; Mughal miniature paintings capture the political, social, and cultural facets of the Mughal Empire. These elaborate pieces developed under the rule of Mughal rulers i.e. Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, were mostly utilized for book illustrations and individual miniatures. These paintings skilfully combined religious and secular subjects, drawing inspiration from Indo-Persian and later European styles. Their subjects included literary illustrations, courtly life, and representations of flora and fauna. By utilizing vivid, organic hues and painstaking artistry, these pieces showcased the cooperation of talented painters and portrayed the depth of Mughal culture. The artistic qualities, subjects, and cultural importance of Mughal miniature paintings from Pakistan's four national museums are examined in this study. This article underscores the enduring legacy of these paintings, which, despite the decline of the Mughal Empire, continued to influence art across South Asia and the Islamic world.

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