What purpose did the paintings serve in the production of manuscripts? Describe. Or Assess the importance of the painted image in the Mughal manuscripts.

What purpose did the paintings serve in the production of manuscripts?

1.	What purpose did the paintings serve in the production of manuscripts? Describe. Or Assess the importance of the painted image in the Mughal manuscripts.
Answer» Solution : Mughal emperors reigns were richly endowed with paintings. It served as follows: (i) Scenes and themes of the book were given visual expression. It enhanced the beauty of the book. Abul Fazl described paintings as a magical art. ACCORDING to him it had the power to make in animate objects look as if they possessed a life. (ii) It is believed that paintings possessed special POWERS to communicate the ideas about the kingdom and the kings. The written MEDIUM could not make so. As Bihzad contributed to spread the cultural fame of Safavid court. (iii) Many artists won the patronage, prestige and rewards. Mir Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad accompanied emperor Humayun to Delhi as they were well known artists, many others MIGRATED in search of opportunities. (iv) Abul Fazl cited the emperor as saying, the artists has a unique way of recognising god when he must come to feel that he cannot BESTOW life on his work.