A Technical Investigation of Mughal Miniature Painting Methods and Materials: An Artisan Legacy

Abstract

This research delves into the elaborate artistry of Mughal miniature painting by concentrating on the technical techniques, equipment, and material practices used by court artists.Utilizing original historical sources, visual analysis, and current scholarship, the study demonstrates how creative styles evolved from the early Mughal era to the height of imperial patronage under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.Particular focus is placed on the following processes: nimqalam, siyahiqalam, outlining, pigment preparation, paper burnishing, and color stacking using transparent washes.The collaborative aspect of the Mughal workshop (karkhana) system, where skilled craftspeople contributed to various phases of a painting's creation, is also examined in the study.By tracking these artistic legacies, the study demonstrates how Mughal painters assimilated Persian and Indian traditions while also incorporating European influences to create a unique visual language.The findings provide useful insights for both art historians and contemporary practitioners interested in historical materials and sustainable approaches.