Painters for the Mughal court generated a new style of painting which was highly international in terms of artistic influence. Adding elements inspired in part by Persian, Chinese and European painting to an indigenous tradition of miniature painting that had first arisen among the The Palas of Bengal. This mix created a whole new selection of themes, techniques, colors and forms. As the works were commissioned by the Mughal court, court scenes were prevalent, and depicted with particular sumptuousness. Mughal painting reached its height under Akbar (1556-1605 AD), who employed more than hundred painters from all over his empire.

This image features a portrait of Akbar's son, Jahangir (reigned 1605-27), who is depicted sitting under a canopy in a garden. He is joined by his two sons, Khusrau and Parviz, who serve him refreshments, and three servants. The experts at the British Museum note that the careful life-like depiction of subjects was encouraged by the Mughal emperors, and may demonstrate the influence of European art. An inscription at the bottom of the painting reads camal Manuhar ('the work of Manohar'), which may help support this argument.¹ Manohar ( fl c. 1580-1620) was a court artist who, as the son of the famous painter Basawan, had grown up in the Mughal atelier. It appears that Manohar, who was a Hindu, had a particular fascination for European religious imagery, and even produced a version of Christ as Salvator. He was a favorite of Akbar, of whom Manohar is known to have made at least ten portraits.²

(1) See the British Museum web site dedicated to this object.

(2) Ibid.