Indian Painting under the Mughals, A.D. 1550 to A.D. 1750 c11.11.2

c11.11.2

And on the whole it was observed by Muhammadans in their art, strictly, where it concerned their religion, but less so in its secular form. In those countries dominated by the *Sunnis* it was more literally obeyed, because these took their name from the *Sunnat*, the ‘ path ’ or ‘ usage ’ of the Prophet, which they faithfully follow, and in which this particular law is recorded. The other Islamic division, the *Shiah*, allows itself more freedom in such matters, as may be seen in the art of Persia, a country chiefly populated by its adherents. By descent the Mughal emperors were *Sunnis*, and as such would ordinarily have conformed strictly to Muhammad’s edicts, in which case there would have been no Mughal school of painting. But one of the most striking characteristics of the dynasty as a whole was the complete independence of thought displayed by most of its members, and in no direction was this more noticeable than in their attitude towards religion. The individual ideas of each may be briefly defined. Humayun was a devout believer in the faith of his fathers, but during his period of exile from the throne, and dependent for his very existence on being in the good graces of his protector, Shah Tahmasp of Persia, he was forced to become a *Shiah*.