The beloved of emperor Shahjahan, whose love and beauty were the muse behind the entrancing monument- Taj Mahal, Mumtaj is a unique woman in the history and culture of India. From the daughter of a noble in the Mughal court to the most cherished wife of Shehanshah (king) and a powerful lady of the court, the story of Mumtaj is that of the becoming of a woman. Till today, the legends of her beauty, wits, and life are remembered by history and the masses.
This oil on canvas by Dhiraj Khandelwal is an ode to the timelessness of Mumtaj, who infuses the artwork with an ethereal beauty, standing on the left side of the onlooker, accompanied by the iconic monument of love, the Taj.
Against a contrasting background of red sandstone walls, Mumtaj is clad in green regal attire, embellished with Zari, Zardozi, and gems, which are delineated by Khandelwal with precision. Her open tresses are held by a Taqiyah, a traditional hat matching her attire and gemmed ornaments. The jewels and details of the ornaments such as the peacock pendant of the necklace have been beautifully presented with a finesse. The Taj Mahal in the backdrop shines like the full moon, against the lovely blue sky. Doves, the symbols of youth and love are also added to the scene, amplifying the pristine allure of Mumtaj and Taj.
Astutely using the technique of perspective, earthy tones, and symbolism of birds and the monument, Dhiraj Khandelwal brings Mumtaj from the annales of history to the visual realm, in this enchanting artwork.
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