Jannat: Paradise in Islamic Art

Showcases a portfolio on handwritten Qu'rans and calligraphic art.

Jannat introduces the concept of "Heaven on Earth" in popular Muslim art
This Volume on Jannat in Islamic art presents images of Paradise from the Indian subcontinent spanning all forms of art, architecture, and design.

Paradise is reflected in Islamic art and culture in distinctive ways with remarkable ideological continuity in the Muslim world. The concept of paradise, a part of the Islamic cosmos, is put forth in the Qu'ran through ayat or "signs for men possessed of mind". The term used to describe Paradise often is jannat, or gardens, highest among the elevated gardens being Firdaus, a term great medieval poet Amir Khusrau applied to Hindustan, so full of praise was he of its "genius" in his epic Nuh Sipihr, the Nine Skies.

This volume on Jannat in Islamic art presents renowned and lesser-known images of Paradise from the Indian subcontinent to include expressions in calligraphy and monumental inscriptions, landscaped gardens, chahar bagh, mausoleums, mystic invocations, Dakhani romance, journey through the heavens in Persian verse, community hymns, and popular art. In its appeal to man's intellect, spirit, emotion, and senses, the concept has engaged rulers, thinkers, poets, artists, and devotees.