Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700 Opulence and Fantasy

Over the course of the 14th and 17th centuries the Indian Deccan had a series of highly cultured Muslim courts and was, at its peak, home to Indian and Persian artists, European textile and gem trade as well as African high society. Hence there is an enormous wealth of paintings and textiles among many other culturally significant artefacts from the Deccan during that period. . The 'Deccan' is a geographical term referring to the plateau in South Central India. Subtly blending elements from Iran, West Asia, and sometimes Europe, as well as southern and northern India, the arts produced under these sultanates are markedly different from those of the rest of India and especially from those created under Mughal patronage. The art produced under the Indian Deccan courts is characterised largely by 'Opulence and Fantasy'. This show brings together some 200 of the finest works from the Deccan sultanates, as well as spectacular site photographs and informative maps, from both private and public collections. If this exhibition interests you, you should be sure to pick up a copy of our 'India' issue this Autumn. April 20–July 26, 2015, The Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street), New York, NY 10028, www.metmuseum.org