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Title: Symbolic use of animals in mughal miniature paintings: An Analysis
Authors: Samina Mukhtiar, Sidra Ali Khan, Wasaf Inayat
Journal: International Journal of Human and Society (IJHS)
Publisher: Educational Scholarly Horizons
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2024
Volume: 4
Issue: 3
Language: English
Keywords: iconologysymbolsMughaldepictionminiature paintingsheritagesignificance.
This study investigates how animals were used symbolically in Mughal miniature paintings, a rich creative legacy that reflected a fusion of Central Asian, Persian, and Indian cultures. Animals were integral to the Mughal Empire's unique visual language, which was used to communicate intricate stories. This study investigates the intentional use of animals as symbols for power, religion, and sociocultural relationships. The study illustrates how representations of tigers, elephants, birds, and other animals conveyed political power, religious symbolism, and the nuances of courtly life.For example, gazelles or deer frequently feature in scenes of love and beauty, reflecting the aesthetic values of the time, whereas lions stand for authority, power, and dignity. Peacocks, which in Hindu symbolism stand in for Krishna, serve as another example of the Mughal court's religious hybridization. The research uses visual analysis of Mughal miniatures kept in museums in addition to primary texts including the Akbarnama, Baburnama, and Tuzk-e-Jahangiri.
In order to reveal the rich meaning hidden in these artworks, this study's methodology combines formal art historical analysis with multidisciplinary viewpoints in a qualitative manner. The results highlight the complex interactions between politics, religion, art, and culture in Mughal miniature paintings and provide a clearer picture of how the court's ideals were reflected in and reinforced by animals.
To investigate how animals were used symbolically in Mughal miniature paintings to communicate intricate stories, reflecting power, religion, and sociocultural relationships.
Qualitative analysis involving visual analysis of Mughal miniatures and primary texts (Akbarnama, Baburnama, Tuzk-e-Jahangiri), combined with formal art historical analysis and multidisciplinary viewpoints.
graph TD;
A["Data Collection: Visual Analysis of Miniatures & Primary Texts"] --> B["Formal Art Historical Analysis"];
B --> C["Multidisciplinary Viewpoints Integration"];
C --> D["Analysis and Interpretation of Symbolic Meanings"];
D --> E["Key Findings and Conclusions"];
The study highlights the complex interplay of politics, religion, art, and culture in Mughal miniature paintings, demonstrating how animal symbolism reinforced courtly ideals and reflected the fusion of Central Asian, Persian, and Indian cultures.
Animals in Mughal miniatures served as symbols for political power, religious beliefs, and courtly life. Lions represented authority, gazelles/deer symbolized love and beauty, and peacocks indicated religious hybridization.
Mughal miniature art's ability to assimilate diverse traditions, coupled with the symbolic use of animals, conveyed intricate ideas and cultural motifs, reflecting the empire's inclusive approach to culture.
1. Claim: Mughal painting dates back to Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty. Confirmation: The text states, "Mughal art, notably painting, dates back to Babur, the founder of the Mughal Dynasty's rule in India."
2. Claim: Jahangir was a nature lover and a keen observer and painter. Confirmation: The text mentions, "Jahangir was a nature lover emporer not only employed artist of the time but by himself was a keen observer and great painter."
3. Claim: Shah Jahan's reign saw a decline in Mughal painting patronage. Confirmation: The text states, "During Shah Jehan's reign, Mughal painting lost its patronage."
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