Today, the Victoria and Albert Museum opens the doors to a landmark exhibition, The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence.
For the first time in a major show, the monumental artistic achievements of the Mughal Empire’s ‘Golden Age’ (c. 1560–1660) take centre stage, showcasing the splendour, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange that defined one of the world’s greatest empires.
The Mughal dynasty, rooted in Central Asia, was founded in 1526 by Babur, a Timurid prince who carved out an empire stretching from modern-day Afghanistan to the edges of southern India, and from Gujarat to the borders of present-day Bangladesh. At its zenith, the empire was known for its staggering wealth, progressive governance, and artistic innovation.
Focused on the reigns of three of the dynasty’s most celebrated emperors—Akbar (r. 1556–1605), Jahangir (r. 1605–1627), and Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658)—the exhibition illuminates a period when the Mughal court transformed into a cultural powerhouse. These were the rulers who commissioned masterpieces like the Taj Mahal and fostered an artistic legacy that blended Persian, Indian, and European influences.
At the heart of the exhibition are over 200 objects, breathtaking in both their beauty and their historical value. Visitors can expect to marvel at exquisite paintings, intricately illustrated manuscripts, luxurious textiles, vibrantly hued carpets, and dazzling objects crafted from mother of pearl, jade, rock crystal, and precious metals. Many of these treasures have been hidden from public view for decades, making this a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the artistry of the Mughal court.
Read more about the art of the Mughals here
Key pieces include loans from international collections that underscore the dynasty’s internationalist culture. On display is a deep red engraved spinel owned by Tamerlane’s grandson, Ulugh Beg, and later the Mughal emperors Jahangir and Shah Jahan, on loan from the al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait. Another standout is an exceptionally intricate 16th-century Mother of Pearl shield from Gujarat, previously housed in the Medici collections and loaned by the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence. Visitors will also encounter a pair of breathtaking jade artefacts from The Al Thani Collection in Paris, including a wine cup meticulously carved from mottled nephrite jade and a dagger inlaid with rubies, emeralds, and pearls.
What sets Mughal art apart is its cultural hybridity, a reflection of the dynastic court’s openness to global influences. The exhibition explores how artists in the imperial workshops merged Persian traditions, indigenous Indian techniques, and novel elements introduced from Europe by Christian missionaries and foreign dignitaries. The result was an artistic style that was not only innovative but also emblematic of an empire deeply connected with the world beyond its borders.
The exhibition also highlights the unparalleled patronage of the emperors. Under Akbar, the Mughal court became a melting pot of creativity, inviting craftsmen and artists from across the empire and beyond. Jahangir’s rule brought an appreciation for naturalism and European aesthetics, while Shah Jahan’s era was synonymous with architectural wonders and artistic sophistication, exemplified by his most iconic commission, the Taj Mahal.
Curated with objects from the V&A’s own collections alongside significant loans from across the globe, The Great Mughals is a celebration of a largely untold story. “The exhibition brings to life the artistic majesty of the Mughal period,” notes the curatorial team, “a period when art and architecture flourished under the patronage of one of the wealthiest courts in history.”
Few exhibitions will allow you to travel through time and space with such vivid context. This is the story of a dynasty that shaped the cultural fabric of South Asia and left an indelible mark on the world’s artistic landscape. From the mythical elegance of illuminated manuscripts to the cold glint of meticulously carved jade, the exhibition encapsulates a dazzling tapestry of innovation, creativity, and cross-cultural exchange.
Whether you’re an art historian, a fan of Mughal architecture, or simply someone intrigued by the opulence of a bygone era, this is a must-see exhibition. Running now at the V&A, The Great Mughals invites visitors to explore an era of mastery, magnificence, and multiculturalism—a testament to a dynasty whose influence echoes through the ages.
The exhibition closes 5 May 2025. Get tickets while you can.