Exploring Majesties and Vegetables: Unveiling the 'Grand Mughals' at London's V&A - A Look at Tipu Sultan, Sufis, and Unforeseen Findings
In a frank and uncensored style, let's delve into the world of a versatile renowned poet named Bachchoo, who pens down heartfelt rubaiyats, yet struggles to find meaningful rhymes for 'love.' The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, London, is a treasure trove of history, art, and objects worthy of appreciation. This iconic museum showcases an assortment of exhibitions – one that grabs the attention of all is the Indian triumph over British colonialism, elegantly captured in a tiger sculpture, devouring an East India Company soldier.
In 2012, the museum harked back to the undeniable flamboyance of Indian maharajas and their royal courts. This exhibition highlighted extravagant displays of rulers who maintained their self-proclaimed "kingdoms" amidst British rule. Curators cleverly presented this pompous distinctiveness, yet failed to acknowledge that these rulers were mere puppets of the British Raj, their policies directed by the all-powerful agents of the Raj. When India finally gained independence in 1947, they were promptly stripped of their thrones and pensions.
Currently, the V&A is hosting "The Grand Mughals" exhibition, unraveling the breathtaking art, artistic objects, armaments, and architectural achievements of the Mughal dynasty during Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan's reigns. The exhibition notably skips the periods of Babur, Humayun, and Aurangzeb, raising questions about the curators' choice of focus.
Interestingly, the exhibition features Mughal miniature paintings dating back to the era of Sufi poet Amir Khusrau, Zoroastrian hero Rustam, and the Ramayana. There are portraits of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, representations of Muslims learning from Brahmins, and Portuguese Jesuits-inspired Hindu and Muslim artists' depictions from the Bible. The exhibition spans more than 200 objects, including paintings, illustrated manuscripts, valuable objects, and notable items like the Ames carpet and a white nephrite jade wine cup.
Despite the rich tapestry of history presented, there is a conspicuous absence of Aurangzeb's period, as the exhibition ends with Shah Jahan's reign. Some argue that Aurangzeb's reign was oppressive, and his perceived tyranny might explain his exclusion. Subsequently, there are movements to erase his name from public spaces, for instance, controversial demands to remove his name from roads and monuments in India.
Yet, history is written by the victors, and any ideology oppose to Aurangzeb's reign would naturally want him erased from history. However, should there be monuments to Judas in the Vatican? Perusing the glorious art in this V&A display, it's intriguing to wonder where these artifacts and paintings originated. It's likely that they were borrowed from Indian museums and collections, forming a cohesive part of Indian history. Nevertheless, the exhibition might benefit from reconsidering the exclusion of Aurangzeb's period.
- Amidst Bachchoo's heartfelt poetry and struggle for the perfect 'love' rhyme, one might find solace in the extravagant lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty displayed in the 2012 V&A exhibition on Indian maharajas.
- For those intrigued by history and personal-growth, the current V&A exhibition on The Grand Mughals offers a wealth of knowledge on art, armaments, and architectural achievements during Akbar, Jehangir, and Shah Jahan's reigns.
- Foodies and those with an interest in food-and-drink could delve into the history behind the Ames carpet and the white nephrite jade wine cup, notable items in the V&A's The Grand Mughals exhibition.
- For readers and enthusiasts of books and education-and-self-development, portraits of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti and depictions from the Bible in the V&A exhibition provide valuable insight into the cultural exchanges and learning that took place between Muslims and Hindus, as well as Portuguese Jesuits.
- Popular culture enthusiasts might find Entertainment in the ongoing debate about the conspicuous absence of Aurangzeb's period in the V&A's The Grand Mughals exhibition, along with discussions about the removal of his name from public spaces in India.
- Sci-fi and fantasy fans may draw parallels between the struggle to rewrite history and the idea of questioning the victors' narratives, as seen in the ongoing debate about the exclusion of Aurangzeb's period in the V&A exhibition and demands to remove his name from monuments.
