Splendeurs mogholes, art et architecture dans l’Inde islamique

This is a book on ancient art that can be read as an extension of current events: indeed il describes the masterpieces of the Moghols, a dynasty from Uzbekistan, that linked the destinies of India and Pakitan from 1526 to 1868. As proof, the main monuments of these Muslim princes were both in Delhi and Agra as Lahore. Following a brief historical introduction that recalls the main deeds of Babur, Akbar, Aurangzeb and their descendents, from the conquest of the Deccan to the epilogue of the revolt of the Cipayes, the author prefered an approach by theme. Rather than list the sites, he looks at Moghol art through the angles of geometry, calligraphy, flowers, animals. The octagon and the et le chevron (symbols of Paradise), the verses of the Koran, the tulip or the Bactriane camel are printed not only in the form of its gardens but in the handles of daggers, in the reliefs in red sandstone as well as in objects in white jade. This work, directly translated from Indian, reminds us that behind the Taj Mahal and the illuminations, Moghol art undertook many other forms, all characterised by an extraordinary decortive finesse.

• Splendeurs mogholes, art et architecture dans l’Inde islamique, 2007, 288 p., 49 €, ISBN : 978-2-07-01908-0