International Journal of History

Author(s): Archana Kumari Sah

Abstract: The Mughal Empire (1526-1857), renowned for its military prowess and administrative sophistication, also stood as a beacon of artistic and cultural magnificence. This article explores the foundational role of artisans in shaping the empire’s visual and material identity, emphasizing their contributions to architecture, textiles, manuscripts, and decorative arts. It examines institutional structures such as karkhanas (imperial workshops), which organized and regulated artisanal production, and highlights the socio-economic dynamics, royal patronage, and ideological imperatives that guided their craft. By shifting focus from imperial patrons to the largely anonymous but indispensable laborers behind Mughal aesthetics, the study critiques the historical marginalization of artisans and reclaims their agency in constructing imperial culture. The article also situates Mughal craftsmanship within global contexts, tracing its influence through transregional trade, diplomatic exchanges, and its enduring legacy in Indian and world art. Ultimately, it argues that the empire’s grandeur was not solely a product of imperial vision but the collective outcome of artistic skill, labor, and creativity-offering a more inclusive understanding of Mughal cultural history.

DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2024.v6.i1c.449

Pages: 186-190 | Views: 66 | Downloads: 36

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