Indian Miniature Painting: The Colours of the Padshahnama
The Padshanama is one of the most exquisite manuscripts ever created, chronicling the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (1628–1658). Originally gifted to King George III in 1799, this treasure now resides in the Windsor Castle Library—where participants will have the rare opportunity to view the surviving folios first-hand during a special visit.
Of the original work, 44 stunning illustrations survive—depicting royal marriages, grand ceremonies, battle processions, and hunting scenes. These pages are alive with wondrous animals draped in golden fabrics, intricate textiles, musicians, and courtly splendor. Yet, the true brilliance of the Padshanama lies in its masterful use of color: a harmonious balance that creates dazzling textures without losing unity.
This course offers a unique opportunity to explore this extraordinary collection and learn the fundamentals of Mughal painting. Alongside studying portraits, patterns, and compositions, participants will also learn how to prepare paper and pigments for traditional painting. They will then practice techniques such as flooding and fine shading.
Image: Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III
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The Padshanama is one of the most exquisite manuscripts ever created, chronicling the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan (1628–1658). Originally gifted to King George III in 1799, this treasure now resides in the Windsor Castle Library—where participants will have the rare opportunity to view the surviving folios first-hand during a special visit.
Of the original work, 44 stunning illustrations survive—depicting royal marriages, grand ceremonies, battle processions, and hunting scenes. These pages are alive with wondrous animals draped in golden fabrics, intricate textiles, musicians, and courtly splendor. Yet, the true brilliance of the Padshanama lies in its masterful use of color: a harmonious balance that creates dazzling textures without losing unity.
This course offers a unique opportunity to explore this extraordinary collection and learn the fundamentals of Mughal painting. Alongside studying portraits, patterns, and compositions, participants will also learn how to prepare paper and pigments for traditional painting. They will then practice techniques such as flooding and fine shading.
Image: Courtesy of Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III
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