How did the state use art, architecture, and culture to its advantage?
The Mughal Empire mixed several cultures, especially Persian, into their architecture, art, and literature. For example, like many other aspiring empires such as Iran, Mughal artists frequently imitated European paintings. Although, most Mughal painting illustrated literary works, like poems. Other Mughal paintings were painted with a naturalistic mindset, illustrating the natural world as well as animals. Historical illustrations were also created, especially of emperors (like Akbar), which is a recurring theme in Mughal art and literature. Emperors would also patronize artists, and art would decline if emperors lost interest. As you can see, the emperors dominated the art world.
Emperors not only dominated visual arts with their patronage, but they also dominated literature, by writing several poems and other works. Bābur, for example, wrote a very famous autobiography that encouraged other preceding leaders to follow in his footsteps. Jahāngīr, for example, wrote an excellent autobiography, and Aurangzeb wrote notable letters. Many emperors and other writers wrote poetry. Historical works were also very popular in the Mughal Empire, and this includes Emperor’s autobiography. Many Mughal works were translated into Persian, a controversial idea during the Mughal Empire. This is another example of incorporating different cultures into one.
Emperors not only dominated visual arts with their patronage, but they also dominated literature, by writing several poems and other works. Bābur, for example, wrote a very famous autobiography that encouraged other preceding leaders to follow in his footsteps. Jahāngīr, for example, wrote an excellent autobiography, and Aurangzeb wrote notable letters. Many emperors and other writers wrote poetry. Historical works were also very popular in the Mughal Empire, and this includes Emperor’s autobiography. Many Mughal works were translated into Persian, a controversial idea during the Mughal Empire. This is another example of incorporating different cultures into one.
The prime example of a culture mix is Mughal architecture. Architecture during the Mughal Empire consisting of many mosques, include The Great Mosque, commissioned by Akbar. Emperors also dominated in architecture, commissioning the most famous projects. Architectural style in the Mughal Empire incorporated the detailed technique of other cultures, while using the iconic red sandstone and white marble to create a look of detailed perfection on the Mughal projects. On of the most famous and impressive of these projects is the Tāj Mahal, a magnificent mausoleum created by the emperor Shāh Jahān.
IN CONCLUSIONS:
The Mughal emperors used these cultural aspects to their advantage to make their mark, so to say. It was a way of demonstrating power as an emperor, and leaving behind a lasting message (like an architectural project or literary work). These cultural elements also diversified the Mughal Empire, mixing several other cultures (both large and small) into their artistic works.
The Mughal emperors used these cultural aspects to their advantage to make their mark, so to say. It was a way of demonstrating power as an emperor, and leaving behind a lasting message (like an architectural project or literary work). These cultural elements also diversified the Mughal Empire, mixing several other cultures (both large and small) into their artistic works.
by: Anne Marie Green