Aspects of Mughal Miniature Painting: A Thematic Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the intellectual and artistic diversity of Mughal painting by examining its fundamental visual traditions thematically. By avoiding a strictly historical or stylistic analysis, the paper explores how, in the Mughal court, artistic expression was employed to build imperial identity, aesthetic refinement, and scientific research. Through the use of certain themes, such as naturalistic representations, calligraphic motifs, marginal decoration, and portraits. The purpose of the research is to uncover the multi-layered meanings present in Mughal visual culture. The research emphasizes how these themes fulfilled ideological, spiritual, and documentary roles in addition to decorative ones by using primary materials and visual analysis.