Cultural and Religious Developments

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understanding the impact of Mughal rule on cultural activities in India.
2. Analyzing the architectural contributions of the Mughal period.
3. Exploring the evolution of painting during the Mughal era.
4. Evaluating the influence of Mughal rule on literature, language, and music.

The Mughal era in India witnessed an outburst of cultural activity, deeply influencing subsequent generations. This period, often referred to as a second classical age after the Gupta era in northern India, saw the amalgamation of Indian traditions with Turko-Iranian culture introduced by the Mughals. Babur, conscious of his cultural heritage, sought to establish proper standards, blending the contributions of various peoples and faiths into a composite national culture.

Architecture

The Mughals excelled in architecture, constructing forts, palaces, mosques, and gardens that still stand as testaments to their grandeur.

1. Babur initiated the trend of formal gardens with running water, a feature evident in the gardens of Agra and Lahore.
2. Sher Shah gave new impetus to architecture with his mausoleum at Sasaram and the mosque in Delhi’s old fort, marking the climax of pre-Mughal architectural styles.
3. Akbar expanded this legacy by constructing the fort at Agra and the palace-cum-fort complex at Fatehpur Sikri, which incorporated elements of Gujarat and Bengal styles.

The pinnacle of Mughal architecture was reached under Shah Jahan, who favored marble buildings and pietra dura decorations, exemplified by the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal unified various architectural forms developed by the Mughals, with its massive dome, minarets, and delicate inlay work.

Important Note: The Mughal architectural style, combining Hindu and Turko-Iranian elements, continued to influence regional and local architecture even after the decline of Mughal power, with its principles evident in structures like the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

Painting

Mughal painting introduced new themes, colors, and forms, significantly influencing Indian art.

1. Akbar established a workshop in his court, where painters from various regions, including Daswant and Basawan, produced works that blended Persian and Indian styles.
2. Under Jahangir, Mughal painting reached its zenith, especially in portrait painting and depictions of animals, with Mansur being a notable artist in this genre.
3. Although Aurangzeb showed little interest in painting, the tradition persisted, spreading to Rajasthan and the Punjab hills, and saw a revival under his successors.

Language, Literature, and Music

The Mughal period was also marked by significant developments in language, literature, and music.

1. Persian became the dominant language, with Abul Fazl and Faizi leading the literary movement under Akbar.
2. Sanskrit and regional languages flourished, producing some of the finest lyrical poetry of the era, such as Tulsidas’s devotion to Rama and the regional adaptations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
3. Music was another area of cultural exchange, with Akbar’s patronage of Tansen and the continuation of musical traditions under Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

Music during the Mughal period was a domain of significant Hindu-Muslim collaboration. Akbar’s court, under the guidance of Tansen, saw the creation of many new ragas. Despite Aurangzeb’s reputed distaste for music, he was a skilled veena player, and music continued to thrive under his successors.

Religious Ideas and Beliefs

The Bhakti Movement and the rise of Sikhism in the Punjab were pivotal religious developments during the Mughal period. The Sikh movement, under Guru Arjun Das, took on a more aristocratic style, emphasizing the guru’s role as both spiritual and worldly leader.

Akbar’s liberal policies fostered religious tolerance, epitomized by Dara Shikoh’s efforts to reconcile Hinduism and Islam through translations of the Gita and the Vedas into Persian. However, the period also saw the rise of orthodox elements, such as Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi, who opposed syncretic practices and sought a more Islamic state.

The tension between liberalism and orthodoxy shaped the religious and cultural landscape of the Mughal era. Orthodox thinkers like Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi resisted syncretic practices and liberal policies, favoring a return to a stricter interpretation of Islam. However, their influence remained limited, confined to narrow circles, while liberal ideas resonated more broadly with the masses.

MCQ:

Which Mughal emperor’s reign saw the introduction of pietra dura in architecture?

• A) Babur
• B) Akbar
• C) Jahangir
• D) Shah Jahan

Table: Comparison of Cultural Contributions