OBJECT AS HISTORY WEEK 14

8/04/20

This week we were introduced to the Mughals, the class was divided into groups and each group was given 1 topic. Based on the topic each member had to find two objects and write an interpretation of the same. I got Mughal fashion .This class was very interesting, i learnt about the mughal empire and how important art was for them, researching for the objects and learning the key features of Mughal art gave a clear understanding .

Man’s Robe (Jama) with Poppies

• The sleeves are long and end in gathers at the cuff.
• The decoration and brocading
• The ties can be secured under the armpit. This distinguishes it from the angrakha, which has ties to the side.
• The opening, besides being asymmetric, is also plain. This stands in contrast to the Chakdar jama which ends in four zig-zag edges that reveal colorful inner lining.
• The length of the Jama has remained between thigh-length to ankle-length depending on its evolution through the ages.

I think it belongs to the 16^th century. the garment was worn for formal occasions. The earliest version of the jama had a skirt that only reached mid-thigh and flared only slightly towards the end.The fashion there was a lot more influenced by the temperature and climate of the area. The thick outer garment brought to India was unsuitable in such harsh, hot climate and had to be adapted as such. By the end of the 16^th century, the Jama was being made of light, translucent and delicate fabrics so as to also feature the pyjama worn with them, making this the ideal ensemble for summer

 Akbar, the greatest Mughal ruler, renamed several ‘Mughal’ garments and gave them names in Hindi. (sarbgati’ meaning ‘covering the entire body’). I guess now only performers and entertainers preferred to wear jamas made of diaphanous fabric.

Shirt of Mail and Plate of Emperor Shah Jahan (reigned 1624–58)

The above image is a Shirt of mail and plate of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. It is made up of Steel, iron, gold, leather. The Armor plates are covered in two-colour gold and incised through to the dark iron. It is a  beautiful surviving Mughal armours. The Armor plates have  Qur’anic inscriptions in elegant calligraphy entwined with delicate foliage. The decorated plates are fitted into a sturdy shirt of thick double-riveted mail of earlier date, possibly the fifteenth century. According to me it was worn during the wars, to protect the body form getting injured . Each ring is stamped on one side with several of names of God. The multiple religious invocations on the plates and mail cloaked the wearer in protective prayer. The fish-shaped buckles are also thought to have talismanic value.  An engraved inscription inside one of the plates identifies this Armor as a gift

Later we were given the guidelines for our books.The book had to be compiled as per the guidelines. Our book was created on Indesign, a cover page and content page was added to complete the book. All our write ups were added onto the layout.