Breathtaking South Asian Art: Why We Should All Have Access to Our Heritage
Are you familiar with South Asian art? It’s a centuries-old form of artistry with magnificent detail, numerous scenes on single-plane images, and intricate detail that draws the viewer in. This style of miniature painting is abundant, and yet surprisingly, much of it is held not in India or Pakistan, but in the British Royal Collection.
In this article, we take a look at an exhibition of South Asian painting held at the MK Gallery in Milton Keynes and soon moving to the Box in Plymouth. We ask questions about ownership, access to art, and the past and present of Mughal art in our world today.
What is Mughal Art?
Mughal art refers to the art produced during the Mughal Empire that existed from 1526–1858 in India and Pakistan. It is a particularly stunning type of artistry, combining elements of Persian, Islamic, and Indian art forms to create vibrant and enchanting works.
What is the Padshahnamah?
The Padshahnamah is a compilation of miniatures commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan, and responsible for many of the works on display at the MK Gallery and soon at the Box. These magnificent pieces depict royal life and battles from the 1600s. Today, the Padshahnamah is held by King Charles III – an entire art tradition of global importance held by a royal family of another country.
How Many Paintings are in the UK?
There could be as many as 100,000 miniatures spanning private and museum collections in the UK today – an incredible amount of art that is practically inaccessible to art lovers and students in places it originated from. Can you imagine if, instead, a similar amount of important works from the UK were residing in museums in India, Pakistan, or other countries? It demonstrates the urgent need for us to consider the implications of our heritage, who has access to it, and how we can better share it with the world.
What Can We Learn from Zahoor ul Akhlaq and Gulammohamed Sheik?
Zahoor ul Akhlaq and Gulammohamed Sheikh studied art in London, discovered the formidable collection of miniatures held at the V&A, and then returned to the subcontinent to inspire generations with what they had learned. Digital exhibition today provides us with an opportunity to share this culture far and wide, and we should take the chance to learn and honour our history.
So, the next time you come across South Asian art, take a moment to appreciate its depth and unique beauty, and remember that this is our shared heritage. We should view it, understand it, and be proud of it, rising above the petty squabbles uttered by toddlers and embarking on a meaningful, nuanced conversation about our past.