A HISTORICAL AND AESTHETIC STUDY OF MUGHAL-ERA ANIMAL AND BIRD PAINTING

Abstract [English]

The Mughal period (16th–18th century) in the Indian subcontinent is regarded as the golden age of the development of painting. The miniature painting tradition that flourished during the reigns of Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan portrayed nature, wildlife, and living beings with unprecedented beauty and a scientific perspective. During this period, paintings of animals and birds were not only artistically significant but also served as documents of the emperors’ interests, scientific curiosity, and natural history.
The Mughal rulers, especially Akbar and Jahangir, were lovers of nature. Their courts included many painters who possessed the skill to accurately capture the forms, movements, colors, feathers, and skin textures of living creatures. Mughal artists did not merely create decorative images; instead, they produced realistic sketches based on observation, which resemble European traditions of naturalistic illustration.
Animal and bird paintings of this period were highly realistic, detailed, and lively. Particularly during the reign of Jahangir, artists such as Ustad Mansur depicted wildlife with scientific accuracy and emotional depth. Emphasis was placed on the physical characteristics, colors, and moods of birds and animals. Under the influence of European styles, techniques such as shading and naturalism became more prominent, and these paintings were often embellished with decorative borders.
Animal and bird depiction during the Mughal period is an important heritage of Indian art. During this time, artists illustrated a wide variety of animals and birds, highlighting their beauty and activities. These paintings reflect the artist’s refined artistic skills and keen insight. Thus, this research attempts to deeply understand the emotional sensitivity and spiritual aesthetic vision of Indian painting, including Mughal-period humorous illustrations.