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The conglomeration of cultures
Deccani Art has been greatly influenced by Persian
and European traditions. This art form was patronised
by the Qutb Shahis (1512-1687) and later by Asaf
Jahi (1724-1948).
Of the Deccani paintings, the Deccan portraits
are unique. According to art expert, Jagdish Mittal,
they do not display the official power of the
subject. Instead, they forge an intimate relation
with the viewer, by deeply reflecting the personality
of the subject. The manipulation of the scale and
clever placing of the figures achieve this.
The Deccani Art form reached its peak during
the reign of the Qutb Shahis. The paintings of this
period mainly depicted portraits and processions on
large cloth. The art form declined when Mughul Emperor
Aurangzeb annexed Golconda. It once again
emerged under the patronage of Asaf Jahi. The
main themes were portraits of rulers, saints and
ragamalas (illustrations of musical moods).
The quality of work once again declined under British
rule and eventually died due to the emergence of modern
art. But even today the Deccani Art is an inspiring
force for many artists who draw concepts and ideas from
this art form.
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