Huqqa in Metallic art and its depiction in painting

Abstract

The huqqa, a distinctive emblem of sociocultural refinement, occupies a significant position in India’s artistic and material heritage. This study examines the huqqa both as an object of metallic craftsmanship and as a motif in painting, highlighting its dual existence as a functional artifact and a symbol of aesthetic and social identity. In the domain of metallic art, particularly in brass, copper, and silver, artisans transformed the huqqa into a canvas for exquisite repoussé, engraving, and inlay techniques. These ornamental forms not only display exceptional technical virtuosity but also reflect the opulence and cultural sophistication of Mughal and Rajput courts. Parallelly, its representation in miniature paintings notably those from Mughal, Rajasthani, and Pahari traditions portrays the huqqa as a visual signifier of leisure, intimacy, and courtly decorum. Through a comparative analysis of material objects and visual depictions, this research explores how the huqqa transcended its utilitarian function to embody notions of luxury, status, and ritual sociability. It also investigates how its artistic portrayal facilitated the intersection of gender, power, and cultural exchange in early modern India. By situating the huqqa within the broader discourse of visual and material culture, the study contributes to understanding how artistic expressions shape, preserve, and reinterpret social practices and aesthetic values in the Indian cultural context.