MUGAL SCHOOL OF ART MINIATURE
ORIGIN
The origin of Mughal school painting is considered to be a landmark in the history of Indian painting.
The Mughals were great lovers of art.
The Mughal school was not a new style itself but it was the same Rajasthani school well refined and polished by the Persian effect
Babur
Babur was from Timur’s family and he inherited Timur’s quality of patronizing music, poetry, art and philosophical learning . He established Mughal empire in India in 1526.
HUMAYUAN SON OF BABUR
Humayuan, his son was born with his father’s artistic inclination. Humayuan had two master
Painters Khawaja Abdussamad and Meer Sayyaid Ali in his court who came from Kabul.
ThesePersian artists painted in their own style in that time.
INFLUENCE OF MUGHAL ART
Mughals were very much impressed by the Rajasthani school. Thus a new style of painting was developed by the mixture of Rajasthani and Persian style which was known as the Mughal school of miniature painting.
AKBAR AND DEVLOPMENT
Humayun died in 1556 A.D. after ascending the throne of Delhi and left his son, AKBAR, 
only child as his successor. Akbar was only THIRTEEN at that time. Emperor Akbar was keenly interested in the art of Painting and Architecture as well as Sculpture also. Akbar was a man of great strength of character and had a broad vision. MUGHAL SCHOOL of Painting was organized and reached it’s zenith during this time. A large number of Indian artists from all over India were recruited to work in hiscourt.There are many manuscripts that were illustrated in his time.
Akbar can be called the true founder of the Mughal school of miniature painting in India. After Akbar Mughal Painting reached its climax in the reign of Jahangir and Shahjahan was more interested in architecture. Painting saw a downfall in his reign.The Mughal school of painting came to a stop in the reign of Aurangzeb. As he was a fanatic Muslim. No fine art could find a place in his court.The contribution of Akbar and Jahangir in the development of this school is remarkable.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MUGHAL PAINTING
Profile Faces: Profile faces is the main characteristics of Mughal style.This is the contribution of Rajasthani painting to the Mughal school. Almost all the portraits are Ekchashma. (Single eyed or profile) whether the figure is full or half but the faces are EK-chasma.
Special Ornamentation of Borders :This is the main effect of Iranian art on Mughal painting.In Iran there was a tradition of decorating a painting by ornamented borders.Mughals maintained the same tradition here also. Creepers, human figures, birds and animals have been used in preparing the same
Book Illustrstions:
Book illustrations are the prime subject of Mughal miniature. Mostly historical scenes have been painted in Mughal School. In fact most of such work was done in the time of Akbar.Indian books were also translated into Persian in which paintings on Panchtantra, Mahabharata and Ramayana etc. were prepared.
Ornamental Designs
In the paintings of court scenes we find beautiful ornamental designs on walls of palaces, ceilings and floors. They have been ornamented with creepers and flowers.The calligraphic inscriptions, halo around the emperor’s head and decorated borders are the main features in this type.
Portrait Painting
There is an abundance of portraiture in the Mughal school but there are less portraits of noble ladies as Mughal miniature is male dominated in character. Portraits of saints have also been painted along with the emperors.
Depiction of Nature
Tree, plants, rivers and mountain etc. have been beautifully depicted in Mughal painting. If there are three types of trees in a painting their leaves have been painted differently.
Gold and Silver colours
There is an extensive use of Gold and Silver colours in Mughal paintings. It is used mostly in the jewellery and also in the borders of paintings.
Fine Line Drawing
The craftsmanship by which lines have been drawn is matchless. Brushes with the single hair were used. The beautiful and appropriate use of fine lines can be judged by portrait paintings of that style.The artists have tried to paint each and every hair of the beard in the portraits.
Colour Scheme
During Jahangir’s reign gaudy and bright colours were replaced by soft, subdued and less enamel colours which pleased both eyes and heart. In the end it can be said that the Mughal painting was confined to court only and the depiction of masses or the general life is not there.
PAINTINGS OF MUGHAL SCHOOL
Title – Krishna Lifting Mountain Goverdhan
Artist –Miskin
School – Akbar School Period- 1585-90
Medium- Water colour , Technique -Tempera on paper
SUBJECT MATTER/COMPOSITIONAL
An early painting from Akbar’s court studio shows Krishna lifting mount Goverdhan on his littlefinger to give shelter to the Braj folk from the anger of rain God, Indra. A huge mountain full of flora and fauna, deers, monkeys, trees, shrubs and grassy fields are painted between rocky ridges of the mountains.The handling of the mountains show clear cutPersian influence. Lord Krishna in painted in large size dressed in his Pitambar and a large garland of white flowers is hanging from his neck. He stands in a relaxing posture lifting the huge mountain effortlessly
COLOUR SCHEME: Blue colour is dominating in the painting. Green, White,Red, Orange, Brown,Yellow ochre are used in the painting.