Unfolding the Opulent Golden Age: Gold in Mughal Miniature Court Paintings in the era of Emperor Shah Jahan (1628-1658)

Abstract

This study explores the extravagant usage of gold in Mughal miniature court painting to depict overgenerous lifestyle of Mughal emperors, especially evaluates the lavish epoch of Shah Jahan. This paper employs descriptive research method to analyze that gold deeply impacted the visual attraction and became symbolic depiction of Mughal art, with a particular emphasis on Shah Jahan's era, often mentioned to as the Golden Age of the Mughal Empire. With the historical imagery references in Mughal miniature paintings, this paper aims to illuminate the various roles that gold has played, such as a symbol of wealth, decoration, and its connection to Mughal traditional art. The conclusion refers that the gold’s enduring symbolism of wealth and power that remains vibrant in contemporary society, preserving its coveted position as a symbol of significance and prestige.