UPSC Prelims 2019·GS1·art-and-culture·paintings

Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AHumayun
  2. BAkbar
  3. CJahangirCorrect
  4. DShah Jahan

Explanation

While Mughal miniature painting flourished under various emperors, Emperor Jahangir's reign (1605-1627) is particularly noted for a distinct shift in artistic emphasis. Jahangir was a keen connoisseur and patron of art, and during his time, there was a pronounced move from elaborate illustrated manuscripts (which were more characteristic of Akbar's reign) towards individual portraiture, naturalistic studies of flora and fauna, and the development of royal albums. Jahangir encouraged artists to focus on realistic depiction and highly detailed work, reflecting his personal interest in observation and scientific accuracy.
art-and-culture: Who among the following Mughal Emperors shifted emphasis from illustrated manuscripts to album and individual portrait?

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