The V&A Museum in South Kensington has unveiled a groundbreaking exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence, running from to 5 May 2025. This is the first major exhibition in the UK dedicated to exploring the extraordinary artistic legacy of the Mughal Empire during its golden age (c. 1560-1660).
The exhibition unfolds in three thematic sections. The first introduces Akbar’s reign, marked by artistic innovation and military expansion. His court workshops produced legendary artworks, including the Hamza-Nama folios and exquisite decorative objects.
The second section highlights Jahangir’s luxurious court life, showcasing opulent treasures like bejewelled daggers, embroidered textiles, and lifelike animal portraits created by master artists.
The final section explores Shah Jahan’s enduring legacy, centered on the Taj Mahal and the artistic brilliance of his era. Iconic pieces include jade objects, floral-themed artworks, and designs inspired by Mughal architecture.
The Mughal dynasty, founded in 1526 by Babur, a Central Asian ruler, evolved into one of the world’s wealthiest and most innovative empires. Stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to Bangladesh, the Mughal court became a vibrant cultural hub blending Persian, Indian, and even European artistic traditions.
Visitors can marvel at over 200 exceptional objects displayed across three key sections highlighting the reigns of Emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
© The British Library Collection (Add. Or. 3129, f.20r)
Akbar, ascending the throne at just thirteen, championed creative experimentation. His court workshops produced masterpieces such as illustrated manuscripts and dazzling textiles. Notable pieces include folios from the Hamza-Nama, a richly illustrated epic, and a majestic pictorial carpet blending Iranian and Mughal styles.
Jahangir inherited a thriving empire in 1605, renowned for its opulent court culture. Precious artefacts like a bejewelled jade wine cup inscribed with poetic verses and a vibrantly embroidered Mughal hunting coat reflect the splendor of his rule.
Perhaps best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s reign epitomized imperial grandeur. Highlights include the V&A’s exquisite white jade wine cup and intricate architectural drawings of the Taj Mahal, capturing the ethereal beauty of Mughal design.
The exhibition features international loans from prestigious collections, including bejewelled objects from the Al-Sabah Collection and a mother-of-pearl shield from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. These pieces, many exhibited for the first time, showcase the breathtaking craftsmanship of Mughal artisans.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history lover, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence promises an unforgettable journey through one of history’s most magnificent empires.
The exhibition features international loans from prestigious collections, including bejewelled objects from the Al-Sabah Collection and a mother-of-pearl shield from the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. These pieces, many exhibited for the first time, showcase the breathtaking craftsmanship of Mughal artisans.
© The al-Sabah Collection, Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah
