Why are there no actual paintings of Mumtaz Mahal?

Answer 1

There are no actual paintings of Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, because she lived during a time when portrait painting was not common in Mughal culture, especially for women. Additionally, the focus of artistry during the Mughal era was primarily on architecture, decorative arts, and miniatures rather than realistic portrayals of individuals. Most existing depictions of her are either symbolic or based on later interpretations rather than direct observations.