Between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, the Deccan plateau of south-central India was home to a succession of six great sultanates with a rich artistic legacy. In October 2008 the Metropolitan Museum of Art will host a symposium, accompanied by an installation of Deccani art from its collection, to explore the artistic production of these sultanates and present new research on this region’s distinctive cultural heritage.

The symposium will take place on October 24th and 25th, 2008 and will comprise five panels of scholars mainly from the United States, UK and India. Panels will focus on Deccan traditions of court painting, metalwork, carpets, textiles, architecture and cultural exchanges during this period. Among other themes, these papers will explore the idea that the arts of the Deccan, both at the sultanate courts and the neighboring Vijayanagara kingdom, arose from the rich mingling of southern and northern Indian artistic traditions with influences from Iran and Turkey, Africa, and Europe.

Due to seating limitations, this program will be ticketed. Tickets are free with Museum admission and may be picked up on a first-come, first-served basis at the Event Desk in the Uris Center for Education beginning at 9:30 on the morning of the event. More information, including the program, will be posted at http://www.metmuseum.org/calendar/index.asp?HomePageLink=calendar_l. For any other questions please write to marika.sardar@metmuseum.org.