Paintings of Rajasthan

The paintings of Rajasthan have two different colors to their style — the former school of miniature paintings whose Growth intensified in courts all over north India and the Deccan, and the folk style which is unique to Rajasthan. The glorious 16th century saw the rise in different schools of paintings such as the Mewar school, the Bundi-Kota Kalam, the Jaipur, Bikaner, Kishengarh and the Marwar schools. Miniature paintings are made in Mughal or Rajasthani styles. The Rajasthani miniatures are different from the Mughal ones in terms of color and compositions. They use bright colors and bold compositions and touch several themes such as the kings, religion, and secular whereas the Mughal miniatures were restricted to court scenes and emperors. The most admired Rajasthani painting is one depicting Krishna Leela. Pichhwais of Nathdwara are purely dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The Rajasthani Paintings are broadly of two type viz. Courtly and Literary. The paintings of courtly type include the portraits of the rulers holding different states of Rajputana. Most of these rulers have been depicted either as holding the courts or doing some past time such as hunting. The literary paintings on the other hand show the intimate connection with the poetry. These are the illustrated versions of some of the important literary works such as Amar-Sataka, Sur Sagara, Rasamanjari, Rasikpriya etc.

Factors leading to development

Two major factors contributed greatly to the development of Rajasthani Paintings. First, the commercial community of Rajputana was economically prosperous. Second, the revival of ‘Vaisnavism’ and the growth of Bhakti cult provided a direction to the development of a distinct school.

The folk style of paintings is divided into two styles. Phads—they are in the form of a scroll painted on a big canvas. They depict the legends of Pabuji Ramdeo of the Rabari tribe, and his black mare. The colors used are bright orange, red and black. Pichwais—they are decorative curtain cloths used as a background for divine images or idols in a place of worship. The styles vary from brocaded, block printed, embroidered or golden thread work.

Rajasthani painting consists of four principal schools that have within them several artistic styles and substyles that can be traced to the various princely states that patronised these artists. The four principal schools^[1] are as follows:

The Mewar school that contains the Chavand, Nathdwara, Devgarh, Udaipur and Sawar styles of painting

The Marwar school comprising the Kishangarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali and Ghanerao styles

The Hadotischool with the Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar styles and

The Dhundar school of Amber, Jaipur, Shekhawati and Uniara styles of painting.

Mewār painting, one of the most important schools of Indian miniature painting of the 17th and 18th centuries. It is a school in the Rājasthanī style and was developed in the Hindu principality of Mewār (in Rājasthān state). The works of the school are characterized by simple bright colour and direct emotional appeal. The comparatively large number of paintings to which dates and places of origin can be ascribed make possible a more comprehensive picture of the development of painting in Mewār than in any other Rājasthanī school. The earliest-dated examples come from a rāgamālā (musical modes) series painted in 1605 at Chawand, an early capital of the state. This expressive and vigorous style continued with some variations through 1680, after which time Mughal influence became more apparent. One of the outstanding painters of the early phase was the artist Sāhibdīn.

The Mewār school continued through the 18th century and into the 19th, the production being fairly prolific. An increasing number of paintings were concerned with portraiture and the life of the ruler, though religious themes continued to be popular.

Būndi painting, important school of the Rājasthanī style of Indian miniature painting that lasted from the 17th to the end of the 19th century in the princely state of Būndi and its neighbouring principality of Kota.

The earliest examples (c. 1625) show Rājasthanī features, particularly in the depiction of men and Women, but Mughal influence is exceptionally strong. In richness and brilliance Būndi painting has an affinity also with the painting of the Deccan, an area with which the rulers of Būndi and Kota were often in contact.

The Būndi school is characterized by a fondness for lush vegetation, dramatic night skies, a distinctive way of depicting water by Light swirls against a dark background, and vivid movement. The school reached its peak during the first half of the 18th century but continued to flourish into the 19th century and had a brilliant phase at Kotah during the reign of Rām Singh II (1828–66). These vigorous paintings depict royal tiger hunts in the thick and hilly jungle of the region and various aspects of the life of the king.

Mālwa painting, 17th-century school of Rājasthanī miniature painting centred largely in Mālwa and Bundelkhand (in modern Madhya Pradesh state); it is sometimes referred to as Central Indian painting on the basis of its geographical distribution. The school was conservative, and little development is seen from the earliest examples, such as the Rasikapriyā (a poem analyzing the love sentiment) series dated 1636 and the Amaru Śataka (a Sanskrit poem of the late 17th century), now in the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India, Bombay. Little is known of the nature of the school in the 18th century.

Mālwa paintings show a fondness for rigorously flat compositions, black and chocolate-brown backgrounds, figures shown against a solid colour patch, and architecture painted in lively colour. The school’s most appealing features are a primitive charm and a simple childlike vision.

Kishangarh painting, 18th-century school of the Rājasthanī style of Indian painting that arose in the princely state of Kishangarh (central Rājasthān state). The school is clearly distinguished by its individualistic facial type and its religious intensity. The sensitive, refined features of the men and women are drawn with pointed noses and chins, deeply curved eyes, and serpentine locks of hair. Their action is frequently shown to occur in large panoramic landscapes.

Though competent paintings similar in style to late Mughal art were perhaps being done in Kishangarh at the end of the 17th century, the brilliant series of paintings on the Rādhā–Krishna theme were due largely to the inspiration of Raja Sāvant Singh (reigned 1748–57). He was a poet, also, who wrote under the name of Nagari Dās, as well as a devout member of the Vallabhācārya sect, which worships the lord in his appearance on Earth as Krishna, the divine lover. Sāvant Singh fell in love with a singer in the employ of his stepmother called Bani Thani (“Lady of Fashion”), and it is speculated that her features may have been the model for the Kishangarh facial type. The master artist largely responsible for transmitting the romantic and religious passions of his patron into new and fresh visual images was Nihal Chand.

Dhundhar is a historical region of Rajasthan state in western India. It includes the districts of Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Tonk. In ancient times, the regions in and around Jaipur were known as Dhundar. Most parts of Alwar, Jaipur, and Shekhawati are still called Dhundar Pradesh.

The Dhundar school of paintingswas much popular for its exclusive folk art paintings.

The miniature paintings of these two centers are superb creations and typically portraying beautiful women with round faces, large eyes, long neck and pointed nose. The haunting activities of the erstwhile ruler and emperor’s are depicted in these paintings.

Indian painting is a diverse and rich tradition that has been practiced for centuries. The earliest examples of Indian painting date back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished from around 2600 to 1900 BCE. These early paintings were typically made on clay tablets or stone seals, and they often depicted scenes of daily life or religious rituals.

Over the centuries, Indian painting developed into a number of different regional styles. Some of the most important regional styles include the Mughal style, the Rajput style, and the Pahari style. The Mughal style was developed during the Mughal Empire, which ruled over much of India from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Mughal paintings are typically characterized by their use of bright colors, their intricate detail, and their depiction of both Hindu and Muslim themes.

The Rajput style was developed in the Rajput kingdoms of northern India. Rajput paintings are typically characterized by their use of bright colors, their depiction of Hindu themes, and their emphasis on the beauty of the human form. The Pahari style was developed in the Himalayan foothills. Pahari paintings are typically characterized by their use of bright colors, their depiction of Hindu and Buddhist themes, and their use of gold leaf.

In the 19th century, Indian painting began to be influenced by Western art. This led to the development of a number of new styles, such as the Bengal School and the Bombay School. The Bengal School was founded by artists such as Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose. Bengal School paintings are typically characterized by their use of Indian themes and techniques, as well as their emphasis on the spiritual and emotional aspects of life.

The Bombay School was founded by artists such as Raja Ravi Varma and Gaganendranath Tagore. Bombay School paintings are typically characterized by their use of Western techniques and styles, as well as their emphasis on the beauty of the natural world.

In the 20th century, Indian painting continued to evolve and develop. A number of new styles emerged, such as the Progressive Artists’ Group and the Cholamandal Artists’ Village. The Progressive Artists’ Group was founded by artists such as F.N. Souza and M.F. Husain. Progressive Artists’ Group paintings are typically characterized by their use of Western techniques and styles, as well as their emphasis on social and political issues.

The Cholamandal Artists’ Village was founded by artists such as K.K. Hebbar and K.G. Subramanyan. Cholamandal Artists’ Village paintings are typically characterized by their use of Indian themes and techniques, as well as their emphasis on the beauty of the natural world.

Today, Indian painting is a thriving and vibrant tradition. A wide range of styles are practiced, and Indian artists are constantly experimenting with new techniques and ideas. Indian painting is a rich and complex art form that has played an important role in the development of Indian culture.

Here are some of the most famous Indian painters:

Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a South Indian painter who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern Indian art. He is best known for his paintings of Hindu deities and mythological figures.
Amrita Sher-Gil (1913-1941) was a Hungarian-Indian painter who is considered to be one of the most important Indian artists of the 20th century. She is best known for her paintings of rural Indian life.
M.F. Husain (1915-2011) was an Indian painter who is considered to be one of the most important Indian artists of the 20th century. He is best known for his paintings of Indian landscapes and people.
F.N. Souza (1924-2002) was an Indian painter who is considered to be one of the pioneers of modern Indian art. He is best known for his paintings of urban Indian life.
K.G. Subramanyan (1934-2016) was an Indian painter who is considered to be one of the most important Indian artists of the 20th century. He is best known for his paintings of Indian landscapes and people.

Indian painting is a rich and complex art form that has played an important role in the development of Indian culture. The tradition of Indian painting is a long and varied one, and it continues to evolve and develop today.

What are the different types of paintings in Rajasthan?

There are many different types of paintings in Rajasthan, each with its own unique style and history. Some of the most popular types of Rajasthani paintings include:

Miniature paintings: These small, detailed paintings were traditionally used to illustrate religious texts and stories. They are often characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate patterns.
Folk Paintings: These paintings are typically created by rural artists and depict scenes from everyday life. They are often characterized by their use of simple shapes and bold colors.
Court paintings: These paintings were commissioned by the royal courts of Rajasthan and depict scenes of courtly life. They are often characterized by their use of gold leaf and precious stones.

What are the characteristics of Rajasthani paintings?

Rajasthani paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors, intricate patterns, and bold designs. They often depict scenes from Hindu mythology, history, and everyday life. Rajasthani paintings are also known for their use of gold leaf and precious stones.

What is the history of Rajasthani paintings?

The history of Rajasthani paintings can be traced back to the 10th century. The earliest known Rajasthani paintings are found in the temples of Ajanta and Ellora. These paintings depict scenes from Hindu mythology and are characterized by their use of bright colors and intricate patterns.

In the 16th century, the Mughal Empire conquered Rajasthan. The Mughals brought with them their own style of painting, which influenced Rajasthani artists. Mughal paintings are characterized by their use of gold leaf and precious stones.

In the 18th century, the Rajput kingdoms of Rajasthan regained their independence. This led to a revival of Rajasthani painting. Rajput paintings are characterized by their use of bright colors, intricate patterns, and bold designs.

What is the significance of Rajasthani paintings?

Rajasthani paintings are an important part of the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. They depict the history, culture, and religion of the region. Rajasthani paintings are also a popular tourist attraction.

Where can I see Rajasthani paintings?

Rajasthani paintings can be seen in museums and galleries around the world. They can also be found in temples, palaces, and other historical sites in Rajasthan.

How can I learn more about Rajasthani paintings?

There are many books and websites that provide information about Rajasthani paintings. You can also visit museums and galleries that exhibit Rajasthani paintings.

Sure, here are some MCQs without mentioning the topic Paintings of Rajasthan:

Which of the following is not a type of Indian painting?
(A) Mughal painting
(B) Rajput painting
(C) Pahari painting
(D) Rajasthani painting
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Mughal painting?
(A) Use of bright colors
(B) Use of gold leaf
(C) Depiction of courtly life
(D) Depiction of religious themes
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Rajput painting?
(A) Use of bright colors
(B) Use of gold leaf
(C) Depiction of courtly life
(D) Depiction of Hindu deities
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Pahari painting?
(A) Use of bright colors
(B) Use of gold leaf
(C) Depiction of courtly life
(D) Depiction of Hindu and Buddhist deities
Which of the following is not a characteristic of Rajasthani painting?
(A) Use of bright colors
(B) Use of gold leaf
(C) Depiction of courtly life
(D) Depiction of Hindu and Jain deities
Which of the following is the most famous Mughal painting?
(A) The Peacock Throne
(B) The Portrait of Jahangir
(C) The Battle of Khanwa
(D) The Razmnama
Which of the following is the most famous Rajput painting?
(A) The Mewar Ramayana
(B) The Basohli Ragamala
(C) The Kangra Gita Govinda
(D) The Bundi Chaurapanchasika
Which of the following is the most famous Pahari painting?
(A) The Guler Ragamala
(B) The Basohli Ragamala
(C) The Kangra Gita Govinda
(D) The Chamba Rasamanjari
Which of the following is the most famous Rajasthani painting?
(A) The Mewar Ramayana
(B) The Basohli Ragamala
(C) The Kangra Gita Govinda
(D) The Bundi Chaurapanchasika
Which of the following is not a famous Indian painter?
(A) Raja Ravi Varma
(B) Amrita Sher-Gil
(C) M.F. Husain
(D) Jamini Roy

I hope these MCQs were helpful!