Design Analysis of the Weavings on the Elephants Used in the Miniatures of "Akbarname"

The late 17th and early 18th centuries represent the peak period of the Mughal Empire, which was founded by Zahireddin Muhammad Babur in 1526. The Mughals frequently adorned their elephants with elaborate decorations. Among the adornments for elephants were items such as elephant caps, ‘teyya’ (elephant veils), ‘mukut’ (elephant crowns), large and ornate panels prepared for festivals to be placed on the elephant’s head, hats, lion figurines to be placed on the forehead, ‘renpiyel’ (forehead bands), forehead jewellery, ‘tikka’ (forehead medallions), ‘nettipattam’ (triangular forehead covers made of copper and gold alloys), ‘seeri’ (textile head and back covers), ‘fateh-pech’ or ‘kader-pech’ (earrings for the trunk), ‘jhumar’ (forehead jewellery), decorative handkerchiefs, ox tail tassels, and ‘bengri’ (band worn on ivory). This research paper analyses the design elements and principles of the textile products known as ‘seeri’ (textile head and back covers), specifically examining the elephant back covers. The study aims to contribute to the literature by demonstrating how these textiles were used as decorative elements during the Mughal era and how they resemble contemporary textiles. Keywords: Miniature, Art, Design,Weaving,Mughals