Last days of Mughal empire marked by cultural renaissance: Historians

Aksheev Thakur

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New Delhi February 18

During the waning days of the Mughal empire, which was confined to the walled city of Shahjahanabad (old Delhi), a period of cultural renaissance emerged.

On Bahadur Shah Zafar

There was a cultural effervescence within the Red Fort. Despite being short of funds and resources, Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar served as an inspiration and played a role in catalysing this extraordinary moment of poetry. William Dalrymple, Scottish historian

Art in pre-1857 era

In 1857, the British inflicted significant damage upon the cultural heritage of Shahjahanabad by burning documents, including Urdu newspapers. The pre-1857 era witnessed the production of magnificent art, as well as the publication of noteworthy books and journals. Swapna Liddle, Historian

Speaking at the Urdu literary festival, “Meer ki Dilli, Shahjahanabad: The Evolving City”, held at the India International Centre (IIC), Scottish historian William Dalrymple noted that Shahjahanabad during the reign of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar experienced a remarkable era of artistic achievement.

“There was a cultural effervescence within the Red Fort. Despite being short of funds and resources, Zafar served as an inspiration and played a role in catalysing this extraordinary moment of poetry. We know him not only as a poet proficient in six languages but also as a skilled calligrapher,” he remarked.

Conservation architect Anisha Shekhar Mukherji added that the Red Fort was originally conceived not only as a residence for the emperor but also as an economic hub for the surrounding city. She further observed that while Mughal emperor Shah Jahan constructed Shahjahanabad without displacing the local population, the British occupation inflicted significant damage upon the city.

Mukherji emphasized the striking disparity between the paintings of the Red Fort before the 1857 revolt and those from 1870, illustrating the significant changes imposed by the British. She noted that temples, mosques, and markets surrounding the fort were demolished, and several buildings within the fort were also dismantled.

“The paintings of the Red Fort before the 1857 revolt and those from 1870 exhibit significant disparities, reflecting the major alterations imposed by the British during their occupation. Temples, mosques and markets around the fort were demolished. Several buildings within the fort were removed,” Mukherji said.

Mahmood Farooqui, a writer, performer and actor, discussed the period from 1857 to 1920, emphasising a tradition of glorifying the Mughals through paintings, which even the British purchased.

“Zafar was cognizant of his status as the last Mughal emperor, understanding that after his demise, the title of king would be revoked, and even his sons would be prohibited from residing within the Red Fort. However, during the British era, when modern historical narratives began to emerge, Zafar was marginalised. The only manner in which he was included in historical accounts was as a freedom fighter. The era was portrayed as a division between Hindus and Muslims, perpetuating the notion of a thousand years of darkness marked by temple destruction and violence against women,” he explained.

Historian Swapna Liddle noted that in 1857, the British inflicted significant damage upon the cultural heritage of Shahjahanabad by burning documents, including Urdu newspapers. She lamented the loss, pointing out that the pre-1857 era witnessed the production of magnificent art, as well as the publication of noteworthy books and journals.