A CRITICAL EVALUATION ON MURAL DEPICTION DURING MUGHAL ERA ARCHITECTURE (1556-1658)

Abstract

Mural Art is one of the most primitive forms of creative expression. From time immemorial, it has been integrated with architecture. It extends its scope beyond mere surface decoration and helps in providing identity to the edifice. In India, the senile tradition of Mural art observed a short hiatus from 12th century up to the advent of the Mughals - who not only patronized but also revived this artistic form by amalgamating different artistic forms. From the facades to the interiors, Mughals used the art form in opulence. The impact and influence of the Mughal Murals can be traced in present times where it is widely used in public and private spaces. The present research attempted to critically study the varied Mural techniques employed in the different major Mughal monuments such as Tomb of Etimad-ud-Dulla, Tomb of Sikandara, FathepurSikri, Taj Mahal, Chini ka Roza and Red Fort Agra. The thesis is divided into six chapters. The first chapter introduces and discusses the historical background and development of Mural art under the Mughal patronage. It introduces the Indian Mural traditions and the contribution of Mughal emperors in patronizing and reviving the art. The second chapter is based on the literature review which identifies the existing gap in the scholarship related to the study of art fundamentals, aesthetic notions of Mughal mural art, colour psychology and the impact of the Mughal Murals on contemporary artistic trends. The third chapter critically examines the socio-political-cultural factors responsible for patronization and production of Mural art during the Imperial Mughal reign, namely under the patronage of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. It also discusses how the personal aesthetic understanding of the rulers gets reflected in the Mughal motifs. The fourth chapter deals with the intricacies of Mural design. It attempts to understand the changing colour scheme and psychology in Mughal Mural decoration under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. The chapter further explores the principles and fundamentals of art such as balance, ratio, proportion, placement and other factors in context of the present study. Mughal mural art is not only a cluster of some motifs but a reflection of the feelings, respect and love for nature of the rulers. Use of many motifs from different religions illustrates their tolerant principles. This study also explains that ancient theories have influenced the aesthetic as well as design principles of Mughal Mural art. The fifth chapter explores the impact of Mughal murals on contemporary mural trends. The chapter is an analytical study in tracing the trend and tendencies of contemporary mural decoration. It investigates whether the contemporary approach in Mural is an indigenous novice trend or it is influenced by the Mughal Mural art. In order to find an answer to this problem, personal survey and interviews were conducted with contemporary artists, architects and art ii historians. A comprehensives assessment was done. This chapter highlights the reasons of change, and studied the changing trends and impact of Mughal subjects, themes, style on Modern Mural. The final chapter discusses the findings and conclusions. The researcher concludes that the Mughals gave life to the facades and interiors of Indian architecture by reviving the dying art of Mural. The assimilation and amalgamation of different mural techniques helped Mughal mural reach its creative and artistic zenith. The Mughal mural decorations have a long lasting impact and have left an indelible impression on modern mural art. It has transgressed boundaries in modern times and has influenced many western creative practitioners to incorporate Mughal Mural elements in their own work.