Islamic Art- Mughal Empire and female patronage Flashcards
How did the Sultanate period end?
The Mughals combined forces with part of the Ottomon empire to defeat the ruling Delhi Sultan during the Battle of Panipat.
How many Mughal Emperors were there and what were they known as?
6- The Great Mughals
How were women treated in the Mughal empire?
They were supposed to be in Purdah- a religious and social practice of gender based exclusion, women kept secluded from the outside world.
What is a Paradise Garden in persianate culture?
A formal enclosed garden of Old Iranian origin meant to remind its viewers of true paradise that is yet to come. Tombs were built including these gardens, almost as a way to ‘reserve’ your spot in paradise. Also known as the four square garden.
The Taj Mahal
Built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal in 1653, a very passionate romance which produced 14 children. Made entirely of white marble (Linked to the tomb of Iltmush, which was a catalyst for the fascination with white marble), he aligned free-standing Minarets with the cardinal directions and incorporated the river into the tomb design to make it still reminiscent of a paradise garden, along with other water features. The large central dome is a staple feature of Islamic architecture.
Poweful women in the Mughal Empire: Nur Jahan, who was she?
Nur Jahan, born 1577 was the twentieth wife and chief consort of theMughal emperorJahangir.
More decisive and proactive than her husband, Nur Jahan is considered by certain historians to have been the realpower behind the thronefor more than a decade. Wielding a level of power and influence unprecedented for aMughalempress, she was granted honours and privileges never enjoyed by any of herpredecessors or successorslike having coinage struck in her name. Her pre-eminence was in part made possible by her husband Jahangir’s addiction tohunting,alcoholandopiumand his frequent ill-health.
She even had coins with her name on them, and was a fantastic hunter, even though only men were allowed to hunt lions she was given permission and even had a portrait made of her with a weapon in a man’s turban.
What was Nur Jahans first all marble tomb?
The tomb of Itimadud and his wife, her parents. He was an immigrant from Iran and created it with Iranian lattices (jalis) inlaid with precious stones, and an extremely ornate arched central chamber of Itimadud’s tomb around the sarcophagi. Built before the Taj Mahal it was the first all-marble Mughal tomb in India, and most likely inspired Shah Jahan when building the Taj Mahal for his wife). It also had a pleasure garden.
What were sanctuaries for travellers called?
Caravanserai
What was Nur Jahan’s caravanserai?
Built mid 17th century, Large sanctuary for travellers that had a Mosque, full baths beds and food. Described to be ‘As wide as heaven’ and containing carvings of a couple thought to be Nur Jahan and her husband the Emperor Jahangir. Displaying her political power, and spiritual benevolence as well as the strength of her marriage.
Mughal portraiture
Mughals were pioneers of portraiture, and many were depicting specific people despite men not being able to paint women directly because they were in Purdah. Generally small-format and compiled in albums. Indo-persianate style with some Hindu influence.
Portrait of Nur Jahan holding a portrait of Jahangir
Barefoot, and eyes downcast on his Portrait, Nur Jahan holds her husband’s portrait carefully and lovingly in her arms. Intended strategically to quell remours of her control over husband, and clearly places him as her ruler and even as if she is worshipping an icon. Despite being in Purdah, she wears a muslin so fine it is transparent and her breasts are visible, this is to represent her immense beauty and fragility again emphasising her weak femmine nature compared to Jahangir. Many consorts had visible breasts in porrtraits as it also showed the Eperors virility. Adorned in pearls and lavish clothes she also greatly influenced fashion trends.
Lovers as auspicious symbols- portraiture
Lovers were auspicious symobls supposed to bring good fortune and spiritual elevation. Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh made multiple portraits of himself and his consort, compiling them into an album for his wife whom he called his friend.
Female power through portraiture- Women Hunting
There is a late 17th century painting of Two Mughal princesses out hunting game birds, it shows female agency through depicting them enjoying powerful masculine activities, despite being in Purdah. During the reign of Jahangir (who was a major patron of the arts, and who even commissioned a painting where light is shining on the artist) there were even some amateur female painters.
