UPSC CSE Pre 2019

Evolution of Mughal Art

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Who among the following Mughal Emperors Shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: C

Concept Mughal painting evolved from the narrative, crowded style of book illustrations to a more refined, realistic, and individualistic style. Each Emperor's personal taste dictated the artistic direction of the royal workshop.

Explanation Emperor Jahangir was the primary architect of this shift. While Akbar focused on grand illustrated manuscripts like the *Hamzanama*, Jahangir preferred individual portraits, studies of nature (birds and flowers), and 'Muraqqas' (albums). He was known for his keen eye for realism and naturalism.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Jahangir’s reign saw the peak of Mughal portraiture. He encouraged artists to depict specific events from his life and meticulous studies of the natural world.
Logic 2: Akbar's preference for manuscript illustration was partly due to his own visual-focused learning style. In contrast, Jahangir’s focus on albums allowed for a more intimate and detailed artistic expression.

Active Recall

Question

What characterized the 'Jahangiri' style of painting?

Answer

It was marked by extreme realism, delicate brushwork, and a shift towards individual subjects rather than grand epic scenes.

Core Insight

Under Jahangir, the painter became an individual artist whose signature was valued, moving away from the collective workshop model of the Akbari period.