Immerse yourself in the opulence and decadence of the Great Mughals, as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London presents an unparalleled exhibition of art, architecture, and indulgence.
A Panoply of Divine Dynastic Decadence: The Great Mughals Exhibition
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has unveiled an impressive exhibition that delves into the world of the Great Mughals, a dynasty of emperors who ruled over the Indian subcontinent from 1526 until 1858. “The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence” is a must-see for anyone interested in history, art, and culture.
Akbar‘s Legacy
The exhibition begins with Akbar, one of the early emperors of the Mughal dynasty. At just thirteen years old, Akbar ascended to the throne and was ruled on his behalf by Bairam Khan until he was deemed old enough to take charge of the empire. Under Akbar’s rule, tolerance became the norm, and administrative structures were introduced that would last long into the future. The exhibition showcases a range of artifacts from this era, including volumes of the Hamzanama (Book of Hamza), commissioned by Akbar in the 1570s.
Jahangir‘s Reign
The next section of the exhibition focuses on Jahangir, who ruled from 1605 until 1627. During his reign, Jahangir was known for his patronage of beautiful things and his appreciation for the arts. The exhibition features a range of objects that showcase Jahangir’s love of art and architecture, including his jade-hilted dagger, its scabbard set with rubies, emeralds, and a pearl.
Shah Jahan‘s Magnificence
The final section of the exhibition is dedicated to Shah Jahan, who ruled from 1627 until 1666. This was an era of great opulence and excess, and the exhibition showcases some of the most stunning examples of Mughal art and architecture. The centerpiece of this section is a video of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Beneath the video are original marble maquettes for Mumtaz Mahal’s cenotaph, with tenderly rendered watercolor designs for the tomb’s ornamental inlays alongside.
A World of Opulence and Indulgence
The “Great Mughals” exhibition is not just a showcase of art and architecture; it’s also an opportunity to immerse oneself in a world of opulence and indulgence. The exhibition features a range of objects that are truly breathtaking, from the delicate 1691 painting of a zebra made by famed Mughal court artist Ustad Mansur to the stunning two-meter-long carpet that shows the myth of the gajasimha (a winged beast with the body of a lion and an elephant’s head) under attack from the phoenix-like simurgh.
A Celebration of Excess
The exhibition is unashamedly celebratory, embracing the excesses of the Mughal dynasty rather than shying away from them. As one of the curators notes, “the word Mughal is a derivation of Mogul (Genghis Khan was a distant cousin of the Great Mughals)—and a 21st-century mogul is someone who has achieved power and success.” Perhaps that’s the point: raking over the emperors’ politics can happen somewhere else. For now, “The Great Mughals” offers the chance to leave all the bad stuff in the cold outside and immerse oneself in a dreamy collection of some of the most opulent and indulgent pieces in world history.
Don’t Miss It
“The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence” is at the V&A in South Kensington, London until May 5, 2025. Advanced booking is advised.
