IDENTITY AND PATRONAGE: BEGUMS OF BHOPAL, 1819-1926

  IDENTITY AND PATRONAGE: BEGUMS OF BHOPAL, 1819-1926

Curator : Masood

Artist/ Researcher :  Astha Dubey

Topic : Identity and Patronage: Begums of Bhopal, 1819-1926

Idea : Aim to address the research gap form Art historical standpoint. The chosen time period from 1819 to 1926 encompasses the era of British rule over India, during which Bhopal occupied the status of a Islamic "princely state." Examining the nature of Bhopal as princely state. Identity formation of four successive Women rulers (Begums) through their patronage. Patronage encompasses various domains including architecture, painting, handicrafts, historiography and some written materials by Begums.

Process : The session began with the subject "Finding the Glitch." This method was transforming. It assisted in breaking down difficult situations into manageable parts, allowing to comprehend each component in detail. As a result, we were able to piece together each piece to have a better understanding of the whole image. Learning to identify and analyze each component independently helped me develop a deeper knowledge of the entire system and its complexities.

With the dawn of 18th c Dost Mohammad Khan, a general of Aurangzeb established his base in the then barren land of Bhopal. In the span of almost 200 years, rule of this empire rose strong and powerful to create a majestic style of architecture that was rudimentary yet path breaking. The entire development of this style not only suggests the subtle Mughal influence but narrates the story of a modernist architecture along with adaptation of new material culture and British influences. 

The study of Bhopal architecture also becomes significant when we try to examine the role of Patronage and the Presence of 4 consecutive Begam Nawabs who used Architecture to establish and showcase power through making of grand architectures. 

Examine the role of architecture on two focal points: Firstly by break the conventional assumption of Bhopal architecture as the integrated part of Mughal Architecture and establish it as a entire new style in itself that took influences from earlier structures and flies apart to be Modern Mughal/Muslim style. And secondly to understand the power of gender patronage in forming this structure .