Individual Scholar Page

Personal Info

Photo

About Me

Harpreet Kaur is a historian specializing in South Asian art and history, with a particular focus on the Mughal Empire and its cultural exchanges with the Persianate world. Her research centers on the intersection of art, politics, and religion in early modern South Asia, particularly how textual and visual culture shaped imperial narratives and authority. Kaur’s scholarly work examines the role of Persianate influences across the subcontinent, including both the northern regions and the Deccan Sultanates, the use of diverse iconography in Mughal portraiture, and the adaptation of various religious symbols within Mughal art to convey both metaphysical concepts and the rational societal values that shaped imperial governance.  These studies reflect her broader interest in how cultural exchanges and intellectual networks across the Islamic world influenced South Asian art and history – and vice versa.

A key aspect of Kaur’s research is her exploration of how Mughal portraiture and manuscript illustrations strategically employed visual language to assert political legitimacy and promote cultural inclusivity within the multi-ethnic Mughal Empire. She investigates how these artworks integrated Persian, Hindu, and European symbols to navigate complex notions of power and identity, while also exploring the interplay between imperial aesthetics and theological narratives. By examining the intersection of art and history, Kaur demonstrates how visual culture not only reflects the political and social dynamics of its time but also actively shapes historical narratives and cultural identities.

In addition to her academic career, Harpreet Kaur brings a wealth of practical experience as an entrepreneur, having founded and managed an international e-commerce business for nearly a decade. This entrepreneurial background enriches her pedagogy, allowing her to integrate her knowledge of art history and historical analysis into her mentorship of students, particularly in research methodology, presentation skills, and collaborative thinking.

Kaur’s scholarly interests also extend beyond South Asian history. She teaches American history, where she incorporates her research on intellectual legacies, including the literary traditions of the Founding Fathers. Her exploration of Thomas Jefferson’s Quran, for instance, provides insight into the intersections of Enlightenment ideals, Islam, and religious autonomy in early America. This interdisciplinary approach highlights her broad scholarly range and her ability to connect historical narratives across cultures.

Recent Publications

Media Coverage

Social Media

www.instagram.com/bijouxandwanderlust

Country Focus

India, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Central Asian states

Expertise by Geography

Africa, Asia, East Asia, Middle East, South Asia

Expertise by Chronology

Medieval, Pre-17th century, 17th century, 18th century, Early Modern

Expertise by Topic

Art & Architectural History, Book History, Libraries & Archives, Literary History, Material Culture, Religion