Made for Mughal Emperors

Mughal Hindustan is renowned for its opulence. Under emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan the court produced some of the greatest art of the era. Artists and craftsmen came from Europe, Iran and all over the Indian subcontinent to the Mughal palaces to work. From the architecture of the Taj Mahal to the intricacies of miniatures, the artwork of the Mughal court still capivates scholars and the public alike. How did these iconic masterpieces come into being? Who built them and for what purpose? Susan Stronge’s lavishly illustrated new book tells the stories behind the artwork. She traces the route from the craftsmen in their workshops to the royal family and nobles who commissioned the pieces. Made for Mughal Emperors, which contains many images never before published in the west, provides an in-depth look at the artistic legacy of the Mughals. She paints a picture of art and culture under these legendary rulers, providing a fascinating insight into the workings of the Mughal Court. Contents: Introduction Chapter I: The city and the royal encampment; The construction of city palaces – The life of the court – Nowruz; The birthday weighing ceremony – Royal weddings; The concealed world of the zanana – Court pastimes; The royal encampment; The royal hunt Chapter II: The Mughal house of books; The cultured court – Akbar’s atelier – The ‘house of studies’ – The court at Lahore; The versatile artists; The Mughals and Europe; Prince Salim’s atelier; Painting for Jahangir; The Jahangir nama; The ‘allegorical’ or ‘dream’ paintings; The king of the world Chapter III: The royal workshops and The skills of Hindustan; The treasury of precious stones; The treasury of jewelled artefacts; The traditions of Hindustan; Textiles and carpets; Mughal jade Enamelling; The goldsmiths’ atelier and the Iranian master Bibliography Index Photo credits