Flowers Underfoot: Indian Carpets of the Mughal Era | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Early History

The borders of Hindustan, or India, had been threatened by Islamic neighbors since the eighth century. During the twelfth and thirteen centuries, advances became more constant, and by 1400 much of India was under Muslim rule. It was not a unified empire, however, and the ruling sultans clashed with each other, the native Hindu population, and other invaders.

The invaders introduced Islamic art and culture to India, whose native artistic traditions were based on Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist religions. The abstract, ornamental, and geometric aspects of Islamic art were radically different from the naturalistic, fantastic, and extravagant features of Hindu art. However, Hinduism was known for its ability to assimilate new ideas and influences, and Indian artists were especially responsive to the Persian art of manuscript painting. This would later influence carpet design.

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Dutch and Portuguese explorers sailed to India and established outposts for the spice trade on the Malabar coast. They introduced aspects of European culture to India, and this interaction continued throughout the Mughal period.

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