Art History Timeline / Mughal Painting
Mughal Painting for Kids: Art History, Artists and an Easy Art Activity
The Mughal emperors of India loved books and paintings. Their artists painted tiny, detailed pictures of royal life, gardens, birds and animals. They used very fine brushes, some made with just a few hairs.
For teachers
Mughal painting blended Persian, Indian and some European influences in royal workshops, especially under Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan. Painters often worked in teams on manuscripts and albums, with decorated borders added around each picture. Jahangir valued close studies of animals and plants.
What to look for
Pull up an artwork from this time and go on a looking hunt. Here is what to spot.
- Tiny details and fine lines
- Decorated borders around the picture
- Flowers, birds and animals painted closely
- Bright colours and gold
Meet the artists
Basawan
active about 1560 to 1600
He was one of the leading painters in Emperor Akbar's workshop.
Mansur
active about 1589 to 1626
He painted very detailed birds, animals and flowers for Emperor Jahangir.
Artworks to look at closely
Click any artwork to zoom in on The Met website. Big screen, slow looking, lots of talking.
"Great Hornbill", Folio from the Shah Jahan AlbumMansur, recto: ca. 1540; verso: ca. 1615 to 20The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The Met
"Diving Dipper and Other Birds", Folio from the Shah Jahan AlbumMansur, recto: ca. 1610 to 15; verso: ca. 1535 to 45The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The Met
"Akbar With Lion and Calf", Folio from the Shah Jahan AlbumGovardhan, verso: ca. 1630; recto: ca. 1530 to 50The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open AccessSee it at The MetTry it
An easy art activity you can do with paper and whatever drawing tools you have.
Choose one bird or flower and draw it small and detailed in the middle of your paper. Then make a wide border around it full of little flowers and vines. Use your finest marker or a sharp coloured pencil.
Ms Artastic lessons
There is no Ms Artastic lesson for this part of the timeline yet. In the meantime, the Free Art Lesson Library has lessons you can teach this week.
Open the Free Art Lesson LibraryQuestions teachers and parents ask
What is Mughal painting?
The Mughal emperors of India loved books and paintings. Their artists painted tiny, detailed pictures of royal life, gardens, birds and animals. They used very fine brushes, some made with just a few hairs.
What time period is Mughal painting from?
Time period: 1550s to 1800s. Where: India and Pakistan.
Who are some famous artists of Mughal painting?
Basawan (active about 1560 to 1600) and Mansur (active about 1589 to 1626).
What is an easy art project for kids about Mughal painting?
Choose one bird or flower and draw it small and detailed in the middle of your paper. Then make a wide border around it full of little flowers and vines. Use your finest marker or a sharp coloured pencil.
The Artastic Collective art curriculum
Full art lessons, videos and units for the whole year, ready when you are. Monthly, yearly and VIP plans.
More famous-artist video lessons
Press play and paint along with me. Each video lesson comes with a printable lesson plan and a QR code, so it is ready for the classroom or the kitchen table.
