Mughal Period History and Art Quiz

Mughal Period (1526-1737) History

• The Gupta Empire's collapse in the 6th century fragmented North India into smaller kingdoms.
• Rajputs gained significant cultural and political influence towards the end of the 9th century.
• Mughal rulers valued India's rich heritage and sophisticated textile culture.
• The six most notable Mughal emperors were Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
• Babur founded the Mughal Empire in 1526.
• Akbar, Babur's grandson, ruled from 1556-1605 and expanded the empire.

Art and Craft During Mughal Era

• The Mughal era was a golden period for Indian art, craft, and culture.
• The Mughals brought their Persian heritage, introducing techniques like inlay work, glass engraving, carpet weaving, brocades, and enameling.
• Mughal miniature paintings significantly influenced other schools, like Rajasthani and Kangra Pahari.
• The Peacock Throne is a prime example of Mughal gem inlay work and metal craft.
• Mughal miniature painting, pietra dura inlay work, enameled jewelry, and other craft traditions continue today.

Miniature Paintings: Important Source for Mughal Costumes

• Mughal painting, a South Asian style, emerged from Persian miniature painting during the 16th-19th centuries.
• Mughal miniature paintings offer insights into Mughal court life and the costumes of the era.
• These paintings depict the costumes and ornaments prevalent in medieval India.
• The paintings show elaborate details concerning clothing.
• The paintings depict the costumes including those of three dancing women, showcasing the fashion of the medieval period, including the royal costumes.
• Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan were key emperors who promoted the art of painting.

The Great Rulers

• Babur (1526-1530)
• Humayun (1530-1539, 1555-1556)
• Akbar (1556-1605)
• Jahangir (1605-1627)
• Shah Jahan (1628-1658)
• Aurangzeb (1658-1707)
• Specific dates of rule are given for each emperor.

Babur

• Born in 1483, died in 1530.
• Known for his love of beauty and military prowess.

Costumes Worn by Babur and Courtiers

• Costumes resembled those of the region of origin.
• Common people wore indigenous dhotis.
• Specific costume names are given, like Nimcha, Jama, Yaktahi jama, Charagab, Postin, Jiba, Chafan, Tahband.
• Painting styles illustrated differences in how Hindus and Muslims fastened their garments.

Humayun

• Babur's son, took the empire after his father's death.
• Introduced Persian elements into the costumes.
• Noted for seeking planetary movements' guidance in choosing his clothing.
• Maintained a treasure house for textiles and garments.

Akbar

• Considered the greatest Mughal emperor. (1542-1602)
• Ruled from 1556-1605, was the third Mughal Emperor.
• The son of Emperor Humayun.
• Grandson of Babur.

Up to the Time of Akbar

• Persian dress was favored initially by Muslims.
• Akbar adopted Rajput dress.
• Specific forms of clothing like cloaks (gown-like), turbans, shoes, and jamas were used.
• Women's clothing, including the bodice, skirt, and scarf components, is specified.

Jahangir

• Became Mughal emperor after Akbar's death in 1605.
• Favored his son Khurram (Shah Jahan).
• Promoted weaving and embroidery of Kashmiri flora on textiles.
• Fashion for Turbans and the churidar pyjama is mentioned.

In Jahangir's Time

• Turbans were decorated with pearls and bird plumes.
• Churidar Pyjamas were in soft green silk.
• Shoes were horn-shaped, and footwear included slippers made of red leather.
• A garment called nadioi was a kind of overcoat. This garment was known for its elegance.

Shah Jahan

• Chosen as successor to Jahangir while still young.
• He succeeded to the throne in 1627.
• Flourishing period under his reign.
• Reign called the Golden Age of the Mughals.

Mughal Ornamentation

• Mughal garments received new emphasis in decoration.
• Floral designs, elaborate gold thread motifs, and pietra-dura were introduced.
• The designs impacted the quality and exuberance of the garments worn by the Mughals.

Aurangzeb

• The last great Mughal ruler.
• Promoted lavish clothing styles, showcasing Indian influence on Persian fashions.
• Mughal rule experienced heightened development of textile crafts in the late 17th century.

Source of Information

• Mughal art merged Persian and Hindu aesthetics.
• Miniature paintings, portraiture, scenes of the royal court, and nature-inspired motifs are depicted in the artwork.

Costumes

• Earliest preserved paintings in Rajasthan depict costumes not differing significantly from those of the era.
• The costume descriptions vary, showing significant differences between male and female attires.
• Costume elements like jamas, ghaghra, choli, and peshwazare listed.

Men's Costumes

• The typical robe, called Jama/angarakha, was long and reached the knees or calves.
• Some Jama versions had full-length tapering sleeves.
• Various forms of Jama are identified, including double breasted and other variations.

Women's Costumes

• Muslim ladies wore gowns and trousers called Peshwaz.
• It was a long, ankle-length gown made from fine material.
• Half-sleeved bodices and ankle-length skirts are also mentioned as part of women's clothing.

Hair Styles

• Men's hair styles included long hair, knotted hair at the nape of the neck, and beards.
• Women's hair styles were wrapped in buns or tasseled plaits decorated with flowers and ornaments.

Head Dress

• Men's headwear included Akbaride turbans and jeweled tiaras.
• Women’s headwear consisted of odhani.

Turbans and Caps

• Different kinds of turbans (Patti-dar-pagri, Khirki-dar-pagri) and caps (Smoking Cap, Parsee Cap, Sindhi topi) were worn.

Footwear

• High boots, shoes resembling boats, and lavishly decorated slippers were part of footwear.

Accessories

• Men's accessories included swords and engraved rings.
• Women's accessories included brooches, jeweled metallic plaques, precious stones, necklaces, turban jewelry, bands, and bangles.

Typical Materials

• Silk, wool, shawls of animal hair, jamdani cotton, and various fabrics enriched the clothing.
• Royal women wore garments made from high-quality materials.