The History of manuscript gilding in India dates back to the 4th century CE, during the Gupta period. This technique initially involved hammering thin sheets of gold onto a surface using a tool called a “tanka hammer.” It was commonly used to decorate Buddhist manuscripts and other religious texts. Gold was preferred over silver, considered pure and associated with religious purity.
With the influence of Islamic art in India, manuscript gilding techniques evolved to include the use of gold leaf, which was applied to the surface of manuscripts using a binding medium such as gum arabic or egg white. The Mughal rulers of India, great patrons of the arts, encouraged the development of manuscript gilding, which led to the creation of many beautiful and ornate manuscripts decorated with intricate manuscript gilding, miniature paintings, and calligraphy.
Today, manuscript gilding is an important part of India’s artistic heritage. One of the most famous examples of manuscript gilding in India is the illuminated manuscript called the ‘Hamzanama’. The Hamzanama is a series of paintings and stories depicting the adventures of Amir Hamza, an Islamic hero, and his companions. The manuscript was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century and was created by a team of artists and calligraphers over several years. The manuscript is notable for its intricate manuscript gilding and is considered one of the finest examples of Islamic miniature painting.
Here are some more examples of beautifully gilded manuscripts that can be found in museums and libraries worldwide.
1. The Padshahnama, a 17th-century historical manuscript commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, is also adorned with manuscript gilding and is housed in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.
2. The Gulistan of Sa’di, a literary manuscript with manuscript gilding and miniature paintings, is housed in the Bodleian Library in Oxford.
3. The Khamsa of Nizami, a collection of Persian poetry from the 12th century with manuscript gilding and miniature paintings, is now in the British Library in London.
4. The illustrated manuscript of the Bhagavata Purana, an ancient Hindu text decorated with manuscript gilding and miniature paintings.
5. Other notable examples include the Padmavat, a 16th-century epic poem written by the Sufi poet Malik Muhammad Jayasi, which has been adapted into various illustrated manuscript forms over the centuries, many of which are decorated with manuscript gilding and miniature paintings. (Reference image at the top).
Similarly, the Rasikapriya, a 16th-century Sanskrit text on poetics written by the poet Keshavdas, has also been reproduced in lavishly illustrated manuscript versions containing love poems, some of which feature elaborate manuscript gilding and miniature paintings. These illustrated manuscript versions of the Padmavat and Rasikapriya are housed in museums and libraries in India and worldwide.
As we continue to discover and appreciate these stunning creations, we are reminded of the incredible skill, artistry, and dedication of Indian artists and calligraphers throughout history. The beauty of manuscript gilding in India is truly unparalleled, and we can only hope to see more of these magnificent works preserved and celebrated for generations to come.
For interesting updates, stay tuned and follow the gilded story.
