Mughal Art and Patronage

Daswant: The Celebrated Painter of Akbar's Court

Daswant was a premier painter in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He is best known for his work on major illustrated manuscripts like the Razmnama and Hamzanama.

Primary Reference: NCERT Class XII: Themes in Indian History - Part II

Archived:

Updated:

The famous painter of Mughal Emperor Akbar was-

[R.A.S./R.T.S. Pre 1992]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept


Akbar’s royal atelier was a training ground for hundreds of artists. He personally identified talent from humble backgrounds and turned them into masters of the Mughal style.

Authentic Source Evidence


Daswant (or Daswanth) was one of the most brilliant painters of Akbar's court. A commoner by birth, he was spotted by the Emperor and trained by Persian masters. He was the leading artist for the Razmnama (Mahabharata) and the Hamzanama, creating dynamic, high-action scenes that defined the early Mughal style.

Analytical Breakdown


  • Logic 1: Daswant specialized in narrative energy and complex compositions, making him the favorite for grand epics.

  • Logic 2: Other painters like Abul Hasan and Ustad Mansoor (Options A and D) were the superstars of the later Jahangir era, not Akbar's.
  • Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

    "Which manuscript is Daswant most famous for?"

    He is primarily celebrated for his lead role in illustrating the Razmnama, the Persian translation of the Mahabharata.

    Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

    "Daswant’s rise from a menial worker to a court superstar shows the 'meritocratic' nature of Akbar's patronage of the arts."

    Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

    Analysing authentic R.A.S./R.T.S. Preprevious year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Mughal Art and Patronage helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like Daswant and Mughal Painter builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →

    UPSC Question Bank | Verified
    Live Archive Status