GOVT.
GRADUATE COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, SAMANABAD,
LAHORE
SUBMITTED TO
MAM SAIMA ZAHHER
BY
Nada Naeem
2123156040 B.Ed. Hons 8th semester
TIMURID DYNASTY
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TIMURID DYNASTY
WITH THE REFERENCE OF ART
CONTENT
1. HISTORY OF TIMURID DYNASTY
2. ART AND ARCHETECTURE OF TIMURID DYNASTY
I. FAMOUS PAINTINGS
II. FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL SITES
HISTORY OF TIMURID DYNASTY;
The Timurid Dynasty was a Persianate, Turco-Mongol dynasty that ruled over
a vast empire stretching from Central Asia to Persia, parts of the Indian
subcontinent, and the Middle East. Founded by Tamerlane (Timur), the
dynasty left a lasting legacy in administration, culture, and art, influencing
later empires such as the Mughal Empire in India.
Establishment of the Timurid Empire (1370)
Timur began his rise in service to the Chagatai Khanate but soon took
control of Transoxiana.
By 1370, he declared himself the ruler of Samarkand, marking the start of
the Timurid Empire.
He styled himself as the "Great Amir" and ruled in the name of the
Chagatai Mongol Khan, though he held real power.
Decline and Fall (1507)
The Shaybanid Uzbeks, led by Muhammad Shaybani, captured
Samarkand in 1500 and Herat in 1507, ending the Timurid rule in
Central Asia.
However, the dynasty continued through Babur, who established the
Mughal Empire in India in 1526.
ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF TIMURID DYNASTY;
The Timurid Dynasty is renowned for its contributions to art and architecture,
which represented a synthesis of Persian, Central Asian, and Islamic styles.
The Timurids not only served as conquerors but also as patrons of art and
culture, leaving behind a legacy that influenced the artistic traditions of the
Islamic world and beyond. Below is a detailed exploration of their art and
architecture
I. Art [paintings]
1. Miniature Painting
Herat School of Miniature Painting: The city of Herat became a
leading center for miniature painting during the Timurid era. This
school emphasized:
o Intricate details: Scenes with fine brushwork, rich colors, and
delicate facial expressions.
o Subjects: Miniatures often depicted scenes from Persian epics
like the Shahnameh, courtly life, and nature.
o Key Figures: The famous Persian painter Behzad flourished
under the Timurid ruler Sultan Husayn Bayqara, elevating
miniature painting to new heights.
2. Calligraphy
The Timurids patronized Nastaʿlīq script, a refined and flowing
Persian script.
Calligraphers like Mir Ali Tabrizi gained prominence for their
innovations in calligraphy, producing manuscripts that became models
for future generations.
3. Decorative Arts
The Timurids excelled in:
o Tilework: Stunning use of glazed tiles, particularly mosaic
faience (small colored tiles pieced together to form intricate
geometric patterns).
o Metalwork and Jewelry: Finely crafted objects with detailed
engravings and inlaid designs.
o Textiles: Luxurious silk and brocade fabrics with elaborate
patterns that were prized across Eurasia.
4. Manuscript Production
The Kitabkhana (royal library-workshops) was central to Timurid art.
These workshops produced illuminated manuscripts, including copies
of scientific, literary, and religious texts.
Masterpieces like Timur’s Qur’an and other richly decorated texts
exemplify their commitment to beauty and scholarship
III. Architectural Achievements
Timurid architecture was grand, emphasizing scale, symmetry, and
decorative elegance. Many structures combined Persian styles with
innovations unique to the Timurids.
1. Key Characteristics of Timurid Architecture
Monumentality: Buildings were massive, designed to evoke awe.
Double Domes: Large, bulbous domes with intricate designs on both
the interior and exterior.
Use of Color: Extensive use of blue tiles, creating vibrant patterns of
turquoise, lapis lazuli, and white.
Symmetry: Strict geometric symmetry, reflecting Islamic principles of
order and harmony.
Muqarnas: Intricate stalactite-like decorations used in ceilings and
arches.
2. Notable Timurid Architectural Works
a. Samarkand (Timur’s Capital)
Gur-e-Amir (Timur’s Mausoleum):
o Features a turquoise dome, ribbed and decorated with gold
inscriptions.
o Inside, a serene chamber with inscriptions honoring Timur and
his dynasty.
Registan:
o A public square surrounded by magnificent madrasas (Islamic
schools) like the Ulugh Beg Madrasa.
o Known for its grand iwans (vaulted entrance portals) and
vibrant tile mosaics.
Bibi Khanum Mosque:
o Commissioned by Timur in honor of his wife.
o Its massive scale and intricate decoration made it one of the
largest mosques of its time.
b. Herat (Cultural Capital under Shahrukh and Sultan Husayn
Bayqara)
Mosques and Madrasas:
o Herat became a cultural hub, with notable structures like the
Friday Mosque and various madrasas commissioned by
Gawhar Shad, Shahrukh’s wife.
Gawhar Shad Mausoleum:
o A magnificent tomb combining geometric patterns and floral
motifs with innovative use of tiles and inscriptions.
c. Nishapur, Merv, and Other Cities
Timur’s successors built grand caravanserais (resting places for
travelers), reflecting their support for trade and cultural exchange.
