Miniature painting in Gujarat declined during the Mughal Era.
The Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The Mughals were patrons of the arts, and their court painters produced some of the finest miniature paintings in the world. However, the Mughals also imposed their own cultural values on the people they ruled, and this led to a decline in the production of Gujarati miniature paintings.
The Gujarati style of miniature painting was characterized by its use of bright colors, intricate designs, and bold outlines. The paintings often depicted scenes from Hindu mythology or everyday life in Gujarat. However, under Mughal rule, Gujarati artists were forced to adopt the Mughal style of painting, which was more subdued and naturalistic. This led to a decline in the popularity of Gujarati miniature paintings.
In addition, the Mughals also introduced new taxes and restrictions on trade, which made it difficult for Gujarati artists to make a living. As a result, many Gujarati artists abandoned their traditional art form and turned to other professions.
The decline of Gujarati miniature painting was a major loss to the cultural heritage of India. However, there are still a few Gujarati artists who are working to revive this ancient art form.