The unreality of things material, the illusion of Self and desires, the perception that all living things and apparent phenomena reflected but one all-embracing Good and Beauty, was the philosophy of Hindu and all Oriental mystics of old; but they attempted to destroy the self and desires (Source of Sin) uncompromisingly and unreasonably. It was a philosophy "cold" and "bloodless", as Professor Browne points out, in trenchant terms. The Muhammadan mystic became conscious that the stream cannot be crossed without the aid of the Bridge constructed for this purpose.
Here (as it seems to us) lies the Keynote, the mainspring of inspiration of artistic expression, which (for the lack of better designation) might be termed Muhammadan Art: A merging of physical and spiritual, of worldly magnificence and eternal bliss.
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THE PRINCES OF THE HOUSE OF TIMUR
Emir Timur (Timur-i-Lang) on the throne (A.D. 1335-1405)
On the right of the throne:
Babur A.D. 1526-1530
Humayun A.D. 1530-1556
Akbar A.D. 1556-1605
Jahangir A.D. 1605-1627
Shah Jahan A.D. 1627-1658
On the left are three sons of Shah Jahan:
Dara Shikoh
Shah Shuja
Aurengzib
(who succeeded Shah Jahan)