Indian Painting under the Mughals, A.D. 1550 to A.D. 1750 c11.5.3

c11.5.3

On the contrary the Mughal emperors, notably Akbar, made every possible use of the conditions that already existed, encouraging the traditional systems of their subjects in the most liberal manner. Many of the institutions that the Mughals established in India, while Persian in origin, were modified by Indian contributions to suit their Indian environment. In a variety of the forms of human activity that ensued, a combination of Persian and Indian elements is observable; in literature, art, architecture, industries, in the planning of their gardens, even down to fruit cultivation, the best that the two countries could offer was utilized. Perhaps the effect on the language of the people that this policy produced will most readily illustrate what was taking place. When the Mughals began their rule the indigenous vernacular of Hindustan, especially in the country around Delhi, was Hindi. But, as we have seen, with the establishment of Akbar's government, Persian was recognized as the official and literary language in court circles and among the bureaucracy generally. Gradually the educated Indians accepted this foreign tongue, regarding it as a mark of elegance and fashion, just as French was affected by all those who aspired to any consideration in England after the Norman conquest.