Akbar: The Great Emperor of India

Description

A stunning exhibition catalogue showing the splendours of one of the greatest rulers of the world, India's emperor Akbar (1542-1605) Akbar The Great is considered one of the most splendid sovereigns of the humankind. Though being himself an illiterate, he was a great protector of poetry and literature, the builder of the grandiose capital Fathepur Sikri, the City of Victory, and the promoter of a new style in arts and crafts. His deep religious tolerance even brought him to attempt the creation of a syncretistic religion bringing together Islam and Hinduism. The catalogue illustrates all these aspects, covering the court life with portraits and pictures of the political activities and cultural events; describing the development of arts and crafts through paintings and objects; showing the military glory through arms, armours, matchlocks, daggers as well as the Royal Mughal tent; enhancing the splendours through jewel boxes, turban ornaments, earrings, necklaces, etc. The aim of the project also is to stress Akbar's cultural as well as political achievements, and his profound religious spirit and open mind towards all religions he came in contact with. The author references the latest in art historical scholarship, but this book is also aimed at readers who may not have specialist knowledge or extensive familiarity with Indian culture.

Gian Carlo Calza is professor of the History of Eastern Asian Art at the Ca' Foscari University in Venice, and director of the International Hokusai Research Centre. He is the author of numerous books on classic and modern art of Eastern Asia. With Skira he published Hiroshige (2009).