WHAT? The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence

WHERE? Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

WHEN? Now until 5th May 2025 

WHY GO? To be dazzled.  The Golden Age of the Mughal Court (c1560-1660) under three of its greatest Emperors left a legacy of riches that are glorious to behold. 

Creatively progressive and wealthy beyond imagination, crafts of a calibre that can never be replicated today are beautifully displayed to represent each of the three ruler’s dynasties.  

They commissioned craftsmanship that pushed boundaries from chests carved with mother-of-pearl to manuscripts illustrated with the finest of brushwork.

First up; Akbar championed ceremonial gold and silversmith techniques, heroic folklore paintings and the most magical of carpets. 

Then Akbar’s son Jahangir, whose splendours include bejewelled daggers and a hunting coat, so lavishly embroidered with animals and plants, it would frighten off any approaching tiger!  

Finally, there’s the renowned Shah Jahan, with references (of course)  to the most famous tomb in history, the Taj Mahal that he created for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Architectural drawings and a miniature reproduction of the Queen’s cenotaph create an atmosphere of serenity amongst embroidered textiles and tiles from his gardens of paradise.  

It’s pure joy to see so many skilled crafts in one landmark exhibition and imagine the life of opulence these Mughal rulers must have led, but equality to feel deep respect for the thousands of workers that created them.

IN THE KNOW Tempted to buy into the dazzling Golden Age? Head for the V&A gift shop for treasures galore inspired by the exhibition. 

There are decorative tea kettles and trinket boxes, ornate ear-rings and hand printed tablecloths, or if you want to start Christmas, baubles a plenty, all handcrafted in India.