Mughal Art : A Study in Handicrafts

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Sources of decorative arts. 3. Designs of decoration. 4. A treasury of Mughal handicrafts: I. Stone and marble. II. Jade, crystal and agate. III. Gold/silver and precious stones. IV. Base metal. V. Glass. VI. Textiles. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

From the preface: "Handicraft in India is often considered to be a minor art and not as important as architecture sculpture or painting. It is also not studied as extensively or intensively as the other arts. This is unfortunate because handicraft is really integral to the so-called major arts, and much of the colour and design of beautiful and elegant living are the gifts of handicraft. Throughout the history of India the spiritual and the material circumstances of society have been articulated through handicrafts. The ancient Indians believed that handicraft is the surest means of the salvation of our souls. Similarly the emotional urges of the medieval Indian society found its fulfillment in the lovely creations of handicrafts. The Mughals specially rejoiced in the appreciation of the radiantly beautiful products of handicraft. In their dynamic pursuit of beauty their artists time and again achieved perfection of craftsmanship and excellence of form, colour and design. Mughal handicrafts also epitomise an art that assimilates within the national fabric influences from many sources, both eastern and western. Indeed Mughal handicraft is a great heritage of art. Is it not our duty to study it, understand it, and preserve it?

"The present work is based on the final report of a research project entitled 'Decorative designs in Mughal Handicrafts' sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research. The British Council also took interest in the project and provided facilities to the author to study Mughal handicrafts in the museums of the United Kingdom, chiefly in the Victoria and Albert Museum which has its largest and richest collection in the world. As the work deals mainly with the decorative aspects of the Mughal handicrafts, an attempt has been made to trace the sources of ornamentation, analyse their different designs in an evolutionary process, and study the select pieces in the fields of stone and marble, jade, crystal and agate, gold, silver and precious stones, base metal, glass and textiles."

[Shanti Swarup is an eminent art historian. His major published works include Arts and Crafts of India and Pakistan, 5000 Years of Arts and Crafts of India and Pakistan and Flora and Fauna in Mughal Art.]