Exhibition of Mughal Life, Art and Culture

New Delhi: Did you know that Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had a recipe book? Ever wondered what the earliest Indian atlas looked like? Head to the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in the national capital to get a peek at these. “The Mughals: Life, Art and Culture,” is an exhibition mounted by publishing house Roli Books in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and the British Library, London. The illustrated manuscripts and paintings on display are part of an extensive collection of the British Library. Many of the works were commissioned by Mughal emperors and officials of that era. Emperor Shah Jahan’s recipe book, a notebook of fragrance, and “Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi-“ this rare display is a must-watch for those keen on the Mughal-era history. Also on display is what is perhaps the earliest Indian atlas, along with a few portraits and exquisite Mughal miniatures. The artworks cover a variety of subjects like scenes of courtly life, including hunting parties; works of literature that convey a message in a single, complex image; and dramatic panoramas of Indian landscapes. The exhibition is on from Nov 22-Dec 31, 2013.
(www.ummid.com)