Deccani painting
Topic: Vijayanagara and the Deccan · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
Deccani painting is a style of miniature painting (small, detailed pictures, often in books). It grew at the courts of Bijapur, Golconda and Ahmadnagar from the late 16th century. It mixed Persian and Turkish styles with local Indian traditions. These paintings are known for rich colours, a lot of gold, tall figures and soft, dream-like landscapes.
Example
At Bijapur, portraits of Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II (r. 1580–1627) show him with his music and his falcons, against glowing gold skies. They are among the finest examples of this school.
Don't confuse with
- Mughal painting: this grew at the courts of Akbar and Jahangir in north India. It is more realistic and focuses more on recording events. Deccani painting is more poetic and dream-like.
Related concepts
- Vijayanagara Empire
- Harihara and Bukka
- Vidyaranya
- Bahmani Sultanate
- Alauddin Hasan Bahman Shah
- Afaqis and Dakhnis
- Mahmud Gawan
- Bahmani madrasa, Bidar
- Deccan sultanates
- Adil Shahi dynasty