Mughal Administration c14.s4.4

c14.s4.4

The development of Indian art industries under State patronage is thus described by Abul Fazl,—"His Majesty pays much attention to various stuffs ......Skilful masters and workmen have settled in this country, to teach people an improved system of manufacture. The imperial workshops in the towns of Lahore, Agra, Fathpur, Ahmadabad-Gujrat turn out many masterpieces of workmanship ; and the figures and patterns, knots and variety of fashions which now prevail, astonish experienced travellers......On account of the care bestowed upon them, the intelligent workmen of this country soon improved......The imperial workshops furnish all those stuffs which are made in other countries. A taste for fine material has since become general, and the drapery used at feasts surpasses every description." (Ain. i. 87-88.)