The British Library, including the Mughal India exhibition, will be closed from Good Friday 29 March to Easter Sunday 31 March. It will re-open on Easter Monday 1 April, 11.00 - 17.00.
Exhibition runs until 2 April 2013 Book now
**** ‘a revelation’ The Daily Telegraph
**** ‘spectacular’ The Times
**** ‘enthralling’ Metro
Bahadur Shah II's crown, c. 1825-50
Royal Collection Trust (Windsor ref: RCIN 67236) © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Akbar ordering the slaughter to cease in 1578
A page from an imperial manuscript, Akbarnama, documenting the history of Emperor Akbar (r.1556-1605). One of the greatest rulers of the Indian subcontinent, he was an advocate of understanding all religious faiths.
Squirrels in a plane tree
This inspired scene captures the movements of the animals as well as the huntsman attempting to gain hold of the tree.
Portrait of Prince Dara Shikoh (1615-59)
A newly-identified portrait of Prince Dara Shikoh who was executed in 1659, at the request of his younger brother and new emperor Aurangzeb (ruled 1658-1707).
Prince Aurangzeb reports to Emperor Shah Jahan (ruled 1627-58)
An official audience held at the Mughal court at Lahore in 1649, featuring the Emperor receiving his son Aurangzeb, who is pictured with his arm raised in salute.
Allahvardi Khan out hawking
A naturalistic portrayal of a nobleman out riding; Allahvardi Khan (d.1668) was a chief huntsman in the 17th century.
Divan-i Khas in the Delhi palace
Hall of Private Audience: from 1803 the Mughal Emperor could only exercise his authority within the confines of the Red Fort.
Timur enthroned with his descendants from Babur to Jahangir
Dynastic group portrait of Emperors Babur, Humayun, Akbar and Jahangir with the poet Sa’di on the left and an attendant on the right.
Emperor Bahadur Shah in May 1858
The only known photograph of Bahadur Shah (1775-1862), the last Mughal Emperor. Taken in May 1858, while the British held him in Delhi awaiting his trial for his part in the Uprisings.
Battle of Panipat, 1526
The historic battle at Panipat saw Babur and his army defeat Afghan Sultan Ibrahim Lodi, the collapse of the Sultanate of Delhi, and the subsequent establishment of the Mughal Empire.
Jade gem-set flywhisk handle
Private Collection, Courtesy of Simon Ray, London. Objects such as this reflect the wealth of the imperial treasury.
Enter the world of the Mughals, one of the world's great dynasties...
At its peak, the Mughal Empire stretched from Kabul in the northwest and covered most of the South Asian subcontinent. Descendants of Timur (Tamerlane), the Mughal emperors ruled over the land from the 16th century through to the late 17th century and are credited with producing some of the most beautiful artefacts and architecture in India. During this period, the rulers encouraged artistry, reformed government and accelerated the development of Indian transport and communications.
The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty descended from the famous Mongol ruler Genghis Khan. The dynasty was founded when a ruler from Turkestan, known as Babur, defeated the Sultan of Delhi in 1526 and began to expand his influence. His grandson Akbar further secured the throne and encouraged greater unity between Muslims, Hindus and Christians, while also promoting the arts and education.
It was during Akbar’s reign that India began its relationship with Britain, a relationship that still exists today and has contributed to both countries immeasurably. The influence of the Mughals began to dwindle in the early 17th century following intolerance between religious groups and numerous rebellions. By the 18th century, large portions of India were under the control of the British.
The British Library’s Mughal India exhibition is the first to document the entire period, from the 16th to the 19th centuries, through more than 200 exquisite objects. Visitors can see authentic artefacts from the period and gain an insight into the arts and culture of the empire.
To find out more about the Mughal Empire, read our Mughal India blog
