Paintings of Karnataka
Karnataka paintings follow a long line of development. The earliest paintings in Karnataka can be traced back to the megalithic people who occupied Karnataka in the 1st millennium B.C. There primitive paintings adorned the walls of caves etc. They mostly depicted the animal life of the region.
Different types of paintings found in Karnataka can be classified into- Murals, illustrated manuscript and Miniatures. However, these paintings can’t be studied within political boundaries of states today as they grew and developed under the patronage of different kings and various empire which had varied extension.
Murals
Murals are paintings which have been done on caves and on the ceilings and walls of temples, palaces and mansions With a distinct style with linear grace and high impact color, the murals of Karnataka has high artistic value.The earliest murals found in Karnataka are seen at Badami. The third of the celebrated caves of Badami dedicated to Vishnu contained a few paintings modeled on those of Ajantha and Ellora. These were described and analyzed by art critics such as Thomas Munroe, Bird, Wilson and James Burgess in the nineteenth century. These were made in the 6th century under the Chalukya kings and the Rashtrkuta kings who followed them continued the patronage.
The next stage of mural painting in Karnataka encompasses the Vijayanagara period and the reign of the Bahmani and Adilshahi Sultans. The basic feature of these paintings are:
1.The sinuously drawn lines, fluid forms and compact composition exemplify the roficiency and maturity the artist had achieved in the 6th century CE.
2.The faces are drawn very gracefully.
3.Their eye sockets are large, eyes are half closed, and the lips are protruding.
PaintingsThemes
Ajanta paintings
The themes of most of these paintings revolve around the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. This includes the Jataka stories related to the various lives and incarnations of Buddha.
Ellora Paintings
The rock paintings of Ellora were painted in two different series. The first series, which were done when the caves were carved, revolve around Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The second series, painted centuries later, illustrate procession of Shaiva holy men, Apsaras, etc.
It also included Jataka tales and Jain text.
Badami Paintings
Petronised by Chalukyas. It was inspired by Vaishaivism. Paintings in this cave depict palace scenes.
Pandyas paintings
Jains texts, female figures, etc.
Pallavas paintings
Beautiful lotus pond and flowers, dancing figures, lilies, fish, geese, buffaloes and elephants.
Chola paintings
The paintings celebrate Lord Śiva.
Vijayanagara Paintings
The paintings about the life and times of the Vijayanagara court.
Nayaka Paintings
Depicting the story of Mucukunda, a legendary Chola king.
Illustrated manuscript
An illustrated manuscript is a manuscript in which the text is supplemented with such decoration as initials, borders and miniature illustrations. In the strictest definition, the term refers only to manuscripts decorated with gold or silver; but in both common usage and modern scholarship, the term refers to any decorated or illustrated manuscripts. It also include paintings done on handy materials, like palm leaf, wood panels, cloth, paper etc as the earliest manuscripts were written on them.
The use of hand-made paper for books began with the Muslim advent in the Deccan. This style was mostly favoured by the rulers of Bijapur and Ahmednagar. However, this activity remained confined to the royal courts and the use of palm leaf continued among the common people. Though manuscripts do not usually contain illustrations, the Dhavala manuscripts at Mudabidri have remarkable illustrations on them. The manuscripts make up three texts, and two out of three contain beautiful coloured illustrations.
Miniatures Paintings
Miniatures paintings are beautiful handmade paintings, which are quite colorful but small in size. The highlight of these paintings is the intricate and delicate brushwork, which lends them a unique identity. The colors are handmade, from Minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. The most common theme of the Miniature painting of India comprises of the Ragas i.e., the musical codes of Indian classical music. There were a number of miniature schools in the country, including those of Mughals, Rajputs and the Deccan.
Most of the miniatures in Karnataka paintings are of the Muslim rulers of Bijapur. A distinct style of painting developed when Karnataka paintings came into contact with the Mughal influence. Thus most of the miniatures were produced during the rule of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur, in the northern part of Karnataka.
Style of Karnataka Paintings
Karnataka paintings encompasses great variety in style. However, different style was found to overlap in time frame. Based on a general view, three main painting styles emerge in the Karnataka paintings which can be understood with reference to outstanding piece of work made in that particular style.
Dhavala Manuscripts
This style of painting is seen in the Dhavala manuscripts, which are illustrated manuscripts date back to over 750 years. The illustrations occupy the right and left margins of the palm leaves, and the middle portion contains the text.It was done on ancient Jain texts. The subject of the paintings is Jain tirthankaras, Munis, Yakshas and Yakshinis.
Lepakshi paintings
Most significant murals painting is visible in Lepakshi in Karnataka paintings. The murals are seen on the high ceiling of the huge gateway of the Veerabhadra temple.Most of the murals has themes from mythology which includes the Hindu Gods- Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Arjuna.The background has been made in a Light shade which illuminates the figures in front.
Deccani School of Painting
Deccani painting is a Deccan form of miniature painting, evolved in during The Bahmani Sultanate in 1347 AD. The style developed under the patronage of Deccan sultanates namely, Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar and lasted until the extinct of the Qutb Shahi dynasty in 1687 AD.
The style of Deccani painting flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries, later in the 18th and 19th centuries after the Mughal conquest of Deccan the style gradually withered away and new form of Hyderabad style painting evolved in the Deccan region particularly in the Nizam territory. Most of the colouring of Deccani paintings are Islamic Turkish and Persian tradition specially the arabesques, but those are surmounted by a pure Deccani piece of foliage
Religious Influence on Karnataka Paintings
Religion has deep impact on themes in all the Karnataka paintings, irrespective of the time or style of its creation. The image of Lord Krishna in child form, and also his love life is quite visible. Depiction of Hindu Gods and Goddesses- Saraswati, Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva- is seen as a persistent theme in all of Karnataka paintings even after advent of Muslim ruler. Arjuna’s archery feat with Draupadi by his side even in the later paintings such as the mansions at Nippani, Athani and the Nargund palace, the religious themes continue.,
The paintings of Karnataka are a diverse and vibrant tradition that spans centuries. From the early Basava Kalyana paintings to the later Tipu Sultan paintings, each style reflects the unique culture and history of the region.
Basava Kalyana paintings are some of the earliest examples of Indian painting. They date back to the 12th century and are characterized by their use of bright colors and bold patterns. The paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the poet-saint Basava.
Bidar paintings are a style of miniature painting that developed in the 15th century in the city of Bidar. The paintings are characterized by their use of gold and silver leaf, as well as their intricate details. Bidar paintings often depict scenes from the life of the Prophet Muhammad or the Mughal court.
Chitradurga paintings are a style of folk painting that developed in the 16th century in the town of Chitradurga. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and simple designs. Chitradurga paintings often depict scenes from the Ramayana or The Mahabharata.
Hampi paintings are a style of temple painting that developed in the 16th century in the city of Hampi. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Hampi paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the Buddha.
Mysore paintings are a style of court painting that developed in the 17th century in the city of Mysore. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Mysore paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the royal family.
Pattadakal paintings are a style of temple painting that developed in the 7th century in the town of Pattadakal. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Pattadakal paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the Buddha.
Ranganatha Temple paintings are a style of temple painting that developed in the 12th century in the town of Srirangapatna. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Ranganatha Temple paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the god Vishnu.
Tipu Sultan paintings are a style of court painting that developed in the 18th century under the rule of Tipu Sultan. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Tipu Sultan paintings often depict scenes from the life of Tipu Sultan or the history of the Deccan.
Vijayanagara paintings are a style of temple painting that developed in the 14th century in the city of Vijayanagara. The paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate details. Vijayanagara paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or the life of the god Vishnu.
The paintings of Karnataka are a rich and vibrant tradition that continues to evolve today. Each style reflects the unique culture and history of the region, and together they offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
What is art?
Art is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of human activities and creations. It can be defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
What are the different types of art?
There are many different types of art, including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, literature, and film. Each type of art has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different styles of art?
There are many different styles of art, including realism, impressionism, cubism, and abstract expressionism. Each style has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different movements in art?
There have been many different movements in art throughout history, including the Renaissance, the Baroque period, the Rococo period, the Neoclassical period, the Romantic period, the Realist period, the Impressionist period, the Post-Impressionist period, the Cubist period, the Futurist period, the Dadaist period, the Surrealist period, the Abstract Expressionist period, the Pop Art period, the Minimalist period, and the Conceptual Art period. Each movement has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different mediums of art?
There are many different mediums of art, including paint, canvas, paper, clay, Metal, wood, and stone. Each medium has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different tools of art?
There are many different tools of art, including brushes, pencils, pens, chisels, hammers, and saws. Each tool has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different techniques of art?
There are many different techniques of art, including painting, drawing, sculpting, carving, and printing. Each technique has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different materials of art?
There are many different materials of art, including paint, canvas, paper, clay, metal, wood, and stone. Each material has its own unique characteristics and history.
What are the different purposes of art?
Art can be used for many different purposes, including to express emotions, to tell stories, to document history, to decorate spaces, and to make people think.
What are the different effects of art?
Art can have many different effects on people, including making them feel happy, sad, angry, or scared. It can also make them think about different things and see the world in a new way.
What are the different ways to appreciate art?
There are many different ways to appreciate art, including looking at it, reading about it, talking about it, and creating it yourself.
What are the different ways to learn about art?
There are many different ways to learn about art, including taking classes, reading books, visiting museums, and talking to artists.
What are the different ways to support art?
There are many different ways to support art, including buying art, donating to art organizations, and volunteering your time.
Here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Paintings of Karnataka:
Which of the following is not a type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Paintings of KarnatakaWhich of the following is the most common type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the oldest type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) Cave paintingsWhich of the following is the most expensive type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist and the paintingWhich of the following is the most popular type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the personWhich of the following is the most difficult type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artistWhich of the following is the most versatile type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the aboveWhich of the following is the most durable type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the materials usedWhich of the following is the most forgiving type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artistWhich of the following is the most expressive type of painting?
(A) Watercolor
(B) Oil painting
(C) Acrylic painting
(D) All of the above, depending on the artist