Mughals

Mughal Emperors

Mughals and Christian Influences

Jahangir and Jesus, 17th century

The very first paintings to reach the Mughal court were large oil paintings of Mother Mary, a religious figure known to the Muslim world, by her presence in the Quran. 

The themes of these paintings, having a universal appeal, were seen as ideal by the Mughal rulers to justify their rule in a foreign land with multi-religious subjects.

Akbar’s court painters were the most inspired by the European motifs and produced paintings with Christian themes and characters. Later, the tradition of drawing on to Christian motifs was carried on by Jehangir and later Mughal rulers as well.