News Desk, News Nation 360 : The opening day of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival featured an engaging conversation between two academics and prominent figures in Indian history. Historians Alka Pande and Swapna Liddle talk about the enduring influence of Mughal architecture and art. The goal of the session, "The Mughals and Us," was to examine the intricate modern-day mosaic of Mughal art. Husna-Tara Prakash had a conversation with both historians about the splendour of Mughal marvels. Swapna Liddle highlighted how people often refer to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire as merely "Islamic dynasties," ignoring the hybridity and
assimilation of numerous cultural elements at its core, during their discussion of the convergence of cultures with moderator Husna Tara Prakash. Speaking about art and architecture, she continued, pointing out that Mughal architecture was a monument to the same assimilation because of its persistence in adapting to pre-existing styles. Renowned art historian Alka Pande said that Mughal rulers were aware of hybridity which is consistent with Swapna Liddle's observations. The majority of the Mughal emperors had Rajput mothers, which lends credence to this. She continued by tying Mughal tales to Bengal and mentioning how Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Bengal, had brought not only 500 men but also the Awadhi culture and cuisine. The main topic of discussion during the session was the influence of Mughal art and architecture on modern-day India and how assimilation is fundamental to it. The moderator and speakers concurred that a superb example of the blending of Islamic and Hindu traditions was the Mughal Empire.
Pic - Courtesy
