Srishti Handa-Mughal Miniature Grand Master Firozudin Profile

Srishti Handa - Hindu College

Introduction

Throughout the ages, art has been a medium that has transgressed all cultural barriers and provided an insight into the workings of the world. It has preserved, described and recorded history as and when it happened. The need to recognize and preserve this has only been heightened in the constantly evolving international scenario. There could be no bigger crime than to forget our roots; it is imperative that we work to save these very things, which have served to provide us a window to the past.

Art- my focus

I will be focusing on Mughal Miniature paintings, more specifically the paintings belonging to the 'House of Mansoor', also known as the Delhi School of Miniature Paintings. It is my aim to not only learn to appreciate this art form, but to also gain a deeper understanding so that I may be competent enough to promote it. The 400-year-old unbroken tradition finds itself endangered, tottering on the brink of extinction.
There is a crying need, an alarming necessity, to not only have it recognized and revitalized, but even institutionalized so that it may be possible to educate and teach the future generations.

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to convince authorities such as the Delhi Government to establish an institution that would facilitate documentation, library, teaching, showcasing, research and scholarship, inter- cultural dialog, preservation of heritage/ revival and digitalization of these paintings. The need to open an institution of this sort cannot be stressed enough.