The famous Mughal painting, depicting Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas, was painted by which one of the following Mughal painters?
Abul Hasan
The question asks about the painter responsible for a very famous Mughal painting that shows Emperor Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas. This painting is a significant piece of Mughal art, reflecting both artistic skill and diplomatic representation.
The renowned painting depicting Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas was created by Abul Hasan. Abul Hasan was one of the most celebrated painters in the court of Emperor Jahangir. Jahangir himself held Abul Hasan's work in very high regard and bestowed upon him the title 'Nadir-uz-Zaman', meaning 'Wonder of the Age'.
This particular painting is famous not just for its artistic quality but also for its symbolic representation of Mughal-Safavid relations, although the embrace depicted is considered an artistic idealization rather than a historical event. Jahangir valued portraiture and miniature painting highly, and Abul Hasan excelled in these areas.
Let's look at the other painters mentioned to understand why they are not associated with this specific painting:
Based on historical accounts and artistic attribution, Abul Hasan is the painter of the famous allegorical painting showing Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas.
| Painter | Association/Key Work |
| Abd al-Samad | Associated with Humayun & Akbar; Hamzanama |
| Abul Hasan | Associated with Jahangir; Title 'Nadir-uz-Zaman'; Famous allegorical paintings including Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas |
| Dasavant | Associated with Akbar; Contributed to Hamzanama, Razmnama |
| Bishandas | Associated with Jahangir; Known for portraits; Sent to paint Shah Abbas in Persia |
The famous Mughal painting of Jahangir embracing the Safavid king Shah Abbas is a masterpiece attributed to Abul Hasan, a leading artist in Jahangir's royal workshop. His skill in composition and detail, recognized by Jahangir himself, made him the ideal choice for such an important allegorical work.
| Painter | Mughal Emperor | Notes |
| Abd al-Samad | Humayun, Akbar | Pioneer of Mughal style |
| Dasavant | Akbar | Hindu painter, contributed to major manuscripts |
| Bishandas | Jahangir | Expert in portraits, sent to Persia |
| Abul Hasan | Jahangir | 'Nadir-uz-Zaman', painted Jahangir embracing Shah Abbas |
Mughal painting flourished under the patronage of emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. It was a blend of indigenous Indian styles with Persian influences, resulting in a unique miniature painting tradition. Mughal paintings often depicted court life, historical events, portraits, wildlife, and illustrative manuscripts. Jahangir was particularly fond of realistic portraiture and natural history studies, and artists like Abul Hasan and Bishandas excelled in these areas. The art served multiple purposes, including documenting events, glorifying the emperor, and diplomatic exchange.
In Indian Art; What is Bani Thani?
'Pichwai Painting' related to which school of painting?
During Jahangir's period certain painters developed recognizable areas of expertise in the field of Mughal paintings. In this regard which of the following statements are correct?
(A) Mansur was expert in painting animals and flowers
(B) Abul Hasan was a portraitist
(C) Govardhan was an expert painter of painting holymen, musicians, and eccentrics
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
Match Liar I with List II and choose he correct answer from the code given below.
List I (Artist) | List II (Title received) |
| (a) Abdus Samad | (i) Zarrin Qalam |
| (b) Abul Hasan | (ii) Nadir-ul Asr |
| (c) Muhammad Husain of Kashmir | (iii) Shireen Qalam |
| (d) Ustad Mansur | (iv) Nadir-uz Zaman |
Which of the following is a traditional folk art form (Rangoli) of Odisha?