Question

Which of the following best describes Shah Jahan’s patronage of painting?

• A. He actively increased the number of painters and focused on military themes.
• B. He showed limited interest in painting but still commissioned refined works for his personal collection.
• C. He discouraged all forms of visual art in favor of calligraphy.
• D. He only supported religious manuscripts and banned romantic themes.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. He showed limited interest in painting but still commissioned refined works for his personal collection.

Shah Jahan Shah Jahan showed a greater interest in architecture than in painting and consequently reduced the number of court painters. Despite this, Mughal painting continued to develop during his reign. The artworks presented at court became more formal and rigid in style. However, Shah Jahan did commission numerous paintings for his personal collection. These works often depicted aesthetically pleasing themes such as gardens and romantic scenes featuring lovers in intimate settings. One of the most significant artistic accomplishments of his reign was the Padshahnama, a chronicle of the emperor's achievements. This work included numerous detailed illustrations, featuring not only the emperor but also his courtiers and attendants.