Write short notes on the following:

(a) Jahangir's contribution to Painting.

(b) Shah Jahan's contribution to Architecture.

(a) Jahangir's contribution to Painting — Jahangir was a patron for learning and arts such as poetry, architecture, music, painting, etc. During Jahangir's reign miniature paintings became popular. It has been said that Jahangir's interest in painting was so deep that he could recognise each painting by the style of the artist. The famous painters of his court were Mansur, Murad, Bishan Das and Abdul Hassan.

(b) Shah Jahan's contribution to Architecture — Shah Jahan's reign has been described as the 'Golden Period' of art and architecture. On account of continued peace and prosperity during his reign, Shah Jahan devoted himself to art and architecture. The most impressive of the buildings constructed by him is the Taj Mahal at Agra, the mausoleum for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It was built in 22 years. Built in white marbles with delicate screens and pietra dura inlay work. The Taj is a beautiful combination of Indian, Central Asian and Persian architecture. Shah Jahan also constructed two famous mosques- the Moti Masjid in Agra and Jama Masjid in Delhi. He also built Red Fort which has many beautiful buildings like Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Rang Mahal and the famous Peacock throne studded with precious stones. The ceremonial halls of public and private audience (Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam) were carefully planned. These were set up within a large courtyard and were called chihil sutun or forty-pillared halls.