4. Mughal Art before Akbar

The art of Mughal miniature painting begins with Akbar, who reigned from 1556-1605. However, two miniatures; the Portrait of a Young Scholar and Prince Akbar Hunting a Nilgae (1555-1560), in characteristic Persian style, suggest the existence of some kind of atelier, or art activity prevailing at the court of Akbar's father Humayun as well.

The treatment is the same realistic. The identity of the scholar is lost, yet the portrait reveals the image of the man as it was in the concurrent society and the character of scripture under Islamic norms prevalent in Persia.

Even a scholar was required to carry a dagger and not only the scripture but also its stand had to be illuminated and well adorned. If not the history of the 'individual', the painting reveals at least some aspect of his society and its art perception.