Question

Which of the following statements best describes the characteristics of Mughal painting during Jahangir’s reign?

• A. Jahangir discouraged collaboration among artists, insisting that each painting be created by a single painter.
• B. Jahangir’s court introduced a collaborative painting process, incorporated European single-point perspective, and featured artists like Manohar, Mansur, and Abul Hasan.
• C. Jahangir’s paintings were known for bold colors and avoided influence from European art.
• D. Jahangir was indifferent to painting and focused mainly on military conquests.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Jahangir’s court introduced a collaborative painting process, incorporated European single-point perspective, and featured artists like Manohar, Mansur, and Abul Hasan.

Jahangir During Jahangir’s reign, the art of painting reached its pinnacle. He was not only passionate about painting but also had a keen eye for evaluating artistic talent. His court became a hub for many skilled artists, and painting evolved into a well-organized practice with a clear division of labor. In this system, one artist would sketch the outlines of figures and animals, another—specialized in landscapes—would create the background, while a colourist would apply the colors. At times, as many as four or five artists collaborated on a single piece. Notable painters of this era included Manohar and Basawan, who were masters of portraiture; Mansur, renowned for his depictions of rare animals and birds; and Abul Hasan, who was an expert in developing sophisticated color schemes. Jahangir was also influenced by European art and instructed his painters to adopt the single-point perspective technique used by European artists. This led to Mughal paintings of his period featuring more delicate brushwork and softer color palettes. One of the major artistic undertakings during his reign was the Jahangir Nama, his autobiography, which included a series of paintings—some with unconventional themes, such as battles between spiders.