Fauna in Mughal Art
Depiction of birds and animals as seen in the Mughal miniature paintings of Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad.
Fauna in Mughal art
Mughal depictions of birds and animals (fauna) in art constitute significant aspect of Mughal miniature painting, which thrived during the Mughal Empire in India from approximately the 16th to the 18th centuries. Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, were ardent art lovers.
Connecting with nature
These representations transcended mere artistic expression, serving as a medium to highlight the emperor’s authority, intellect, and connection with the natural world.
Realism rules
Mughal artists, especially during the era of Emperor Akbar (1542–1605), began to adopt a more realistic and intricate portrayal of animals in their artwork. Their emphasis shifted towards anatomical precision, the depiction of fur and feathers, and animals in natural state.
Persian influence
The impact of Persian art, with the introduction of European artistic techniques by Portuguese and Italian missionaries and traders, contributed significantly to this naturalistic approach. This was more during the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1605–1627).
Symbols of royalty
Numerous animals illustrated in Mughal paintings carried significant symbolism. Lions, tigers, and elephants frequently represented royal authority and might. For instance, the Mughal emperor's capacity to tame ferocious beasts served as a metaphor for sovereignty.
Hunting skill as valour
Mughal art is distinguished by its vivid portrayals of hunting scenes, featuring animals such as tigers, elephants, deer, and various birds in dynamic action. These artworks frequently included scenes of the emperor or nobility, highlighting their prowess as hunters.
The beauty of birds
Exotic birds, such as parrots, peacocks, and cranes, were commonly represented in Mughal art. These avian figures were frequently linked to notions of beauty and grace, serving as symbols of the opulent lifestyle characteristic of the Mughal court.
Fascinating Natural history
Emperors Jahangir exhibited a profound interest in natural history, which is evident in many of his artworks that showcase his personal admiration for animals. Jahangir commissioned intricate and highly precise representations of animals on the Indian subcontinent.
Ustad Mansur
Emperor Jahangir's affinity for animals in captivity is notable, as he had a keen interest in amassing exotic species. The artists at Jahangir's court, including Ustad Mansur, were renowned for their realistic portrayals of birds and animals.
Composite Animals
Mughal artists occasionally produced representations of mythical creatures or hybrid animals. These illustrations were frequently influenced by Persian artistry and might feature imaginative entities such as the griffin, which merges the form of a lion with the wings of an eagle.
The Salar Jung Museum collection
The museum has depiction of animals in different contexts in miniature paintings. There are stand-alone birds and animals, calligraphic birds, hunting scenes, fighting animals, kings and princes riding horses, war scenes, in ragamalas and mythological depictions.
Lets take a look !
War scene (1800/1800)Salar Jung Museum
War scene
A painting depicts the Siege of Golconda, showing soldiers and horses before the fort. Floral designs adorn the bottom right, circa 1800.
Two cranes (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Two cranes
A delicate 20th-century watercolor depicts two cranes amidst floral patterns. A Persian inscription graces the border, adding to the artwork's charm.
Akbar with a rosary (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Akbar with a rosary
This miniature depicts Akbar, the Mughal emperor, holding a rosary and sword, symbolizing his faith and power. A lion and deer in the background hint at his dominion over nature.
Todi Ragini (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Todi Ragini
An 18th-century Ragamala painting depicting a woman overcome with grief in a secluded grove. Two gentle creatures, an antelope and a deer, stand nearby, offering a silent, sympathetic presence.
Turkey bird (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Turkey bird
An exquisite 18th-century miniature watercolor depicts a turkey, surrounded by intricate floral borders and inscriptions. A testament to the artistry of the period.
Asavari ragini (1600/1699)Salar Jung Museum
Asavari Ragini
An 18th-century Ragamala painting depicting Asavari Ragini. A semi-nude woman is seated on rocks with snakes on and around her, with a pond visible in the foreground.
Hunting scene of Akbar and Jodhabai (1900/1925)Salar Jung Museum
Mughal hunting scene
Emperor Akbar and Empress Jodhabai participate in a royal hunt, aiming their bows and arrows at a deer by a river. A captivating glimpse into Mughal court life painted in the early 20th century.
A bird (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
A painted bird
This 19th-century miniature depicts a bird, framed by a colorful border. A small but detailed work of art.
Goat holding a snake (1500/1599)Salar Jung Museum
Goat and snake
A 16th-century painting depicts a goat entangled with a snake, its tail wrapped around the goat's leg. The symbolism remains open to interpretation.
Hunting Scene (1900/1925)Salar Jung Museum
Jahangir's royal hunt
Emperor Jahangir and Empress Nurjahan lead a thrilling stag hunt, depicted in this early 20th-century painting. Hounds chase deer across the landscape, showcasing Mughal power and skill.
Pigeon (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Pigeon
This 19th-century miniature depicts a pigeon, a common subject in art, showcasing intricate detail and a possible inscription.
Crane catching fish (calligraphy) (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Calligraphy/ Crane catching fish
An 18th-century Mughal miniature painting depicts a crane standing on one leg, a fish dangling from its beak A Mughal copy from the Deccan.
Mohammad Shah riding on horseback (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Mohammad Shah on horseback
An 18th-century depiction of Mohammad Shah riding, holding an eagle, accompanied by two attendants. A powerful image of royal authority.
Eagle hunting a rabbit (1600/1699)Salar Jung Museum
Eagle hunting a rabbit
A 17th-century miniature painting depicting an eagle hunting a rabbit, surrounded by intricate creeper designs.
Elephant fight!
A vibrant Akbar-nama leaf depicts an exciting elephant fight during royal wedding festivities. This 20th-century artwork showcases wrestling matches and camel fights as well.
Jahangir with antelope (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Jahangir with antelope
A 20th-century depiction of Emperor Jahangir, subtly showcasing his control over nature by gently holding the antelope's bridle.
Three princes Dara, Shuja, Aurangzeb riding on horses (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Three princes Dara, Shuja, Aurangzeb riding on horses
Dara, Shuja, and Aurangzeb, three Mughal princes, ride majestically, spears in hand, across a grassy landscape. The scene is completed by trees and distant hills. This 20th-century painting captures a moment of regal power.
Women playing polo (1800/1825)Salar Jung Museum
Women playing polo
A lively 19th-century painting depicts four women engaged in a thrilling polo match. The scene is full of action and movement.
Noble riding on horseback (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Noble on horseback
A 19th-century painting of a noble riding, holding a flag and surrounded by floral designs. The artwork depicts a scene of equestrian grandeur.
Elephant killing a tiger (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Elephant vs. tiger
A 19th-century miniature painting depicts a dramatic scene of an elephant using its trunk to capture a tiger.
Hunting scene (1900/1999)Salar Jung Museum
Hunting scene
A king and prince on horseback engage in a hunt, depicted with attendants. This 20th-century artwork showcases regal power and hunting prowess.
Camel fight (1675/1700)Salar Jung Museum
Camel fight
A late 17th-century painting depicts a fierce camel fight, their legs locked in a struggle. The scene is set against a light blue backdrop with floral creepers.
Cock fight (1700/1799)Salar Jung Museum
Cock fight
An 18th-century Deccani style Mughal miniature painting depicts a thrilling cockfight, watched by a prince and his nobles. Music plays as onlookers surround the action.
Noble holding a falcon (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Nobleman holding a falcon
A 19th-century miniature depicts a nobleman, Fathallah Khan Bahadur, a Mughal general, haloed and bearded, holding a falcon. The painting's detail is exquisite.
MYTHOLOGICAL COMPOSITE FIGURE (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Mythological composite figure
A 19th-century miniature depicts a winged woman seated on a camel, surrounded by various animals. This artwork showcases a fantastical composite figure.
The Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad does not support or endorse hunting of animals or animal fights as a pastime.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Shri Ashish Goyal, IIS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References -
1. Flora and fauna in Mughal Art (1999), Verma, Som Prakash, Mumbai: J J Bhabha for Marg.
2. Markel, Stephen (1999), Flora and Fauna in Mughal Art pp. 25-35. Edited by S. P. Verma.
Mumbai: Marg Publications.
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