Mughal Illustrated Manuscripts

Diwan of Anwari

This illustrated manuscript shows succession of pictures painted with birds, beasts and flowers in golden arabesques. The color tones are refreshing and illustrations are refined.

Diwan–I–Hafiz

This is one of the notable illustrated manuscripts where the charms of flora and fauna are beautifully shown. A miniature from this manuscript depicts the grazing sheep patterned in the form of folded hills while rocks and mountains give the illusion of animals.

Baharistan of Jami

This is another illustrated manuscript consisting of many striking palettes. The one, which is widely remembered, is that of Mulla rebuking a Dervish for his humbleness. A pair of peacocks echoing the same emotions is also shown in the picture.

Khamsa of Amir Khosrau Dihalvi

This illustrated manuscript carries vivid illustrations of the flora and fauna. Paintings of Basawan show the use of trees in exploring spaces. He is also appreciated for the using the technique of perspective in the illustrations.

Ajaib-al-Makhluqat

This is a work on natural history in which bird subjects are drawn authentically with natural tints. A work called ‘A Study of Cranes’ sketched out by Kanha and painted and finished by Mani is noteworthy. The illustration stands out for the depiction of its minutest details of animals

Ramayana

The Mughal Emperor Akbar had a profound interest in religion and literature, which encouraged him to get the Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata get translated into Persian. Many illustrated manuscripts of Hindu Classics were also produced. One of the illustrated manuscripts is of Ramayana, which is given an Indian treatment though influence of Persian tradition is also conspicuous. A miniature shows Hanuman carrying a Mountain of Healing Herbs and a complete chaos with badly shaken trees and frightened animals is also vividly portrayed. The animals are drawn very naturalistically.

Razm Nama

Razm Nama is an illustrated manuscript, which carries a collection of stories from Mahabharata. Several Razm Namas were produced. The miniatures of this manuscript carry the Persian tradition however flora and fauna are naturalistically depicted. A close observation of the nature by the artists is conspicuous in the paintings.