Topic: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
1) Mughal Court paintings provide not only an insight into the life and times of rulers of the period, but also reflect the contemporary social and political life of the people. Discuss how these paintings were not just paintings but an art of storytelling?(250 words)
Why this question:
The question is based on the significance of Mughal paintings even in today’s times.
Key demand of the question:
The answer must discuss in detail as to in what way the Mughal paintings manifested themselves as much more than just paintings and narrated the political and social conditions of people in the form of stories.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start with key features of Mughal paintings.
Body:
Body of the answer should discuss in detail the key features of Mughal paintings and explain in what way Story telling through paintings had been established as an art form in India.
Explain that the Mughal paintings mark a unique blend of Persian and Indian ideas. Mughal painting was essentially a court art, developed under the patronage of the ruling Mughal emperors. The subjects treated were generally secular, revolving around themes like battles, court scenes, receptions, legendary stories, hunting scenes, wildlife, portraits, and the likes.
Conclusion:
Conclude that Mughal paintings are great story tellers and are very informative, that provide deep insights not only into the life and times of the Mughals but also in rich Indian heritage and culture.
