Rajasthani School of Painting
Rajput were the ruling clan of Rajasthan and were the chief patrons of the Rajasthani school of painting. It is said that the rajasthani paintings were influenced by the Mughal artists and the artists of the deccan sultanate. Also another line of thought believes that the Rajasthani style predates the Mughal form of art.
Mewar School of Painting :
Early Mewar paintings depict a extraordinary figure "sahibdin".
Later Mewari paintings depict scenes of court life and views of the city in minute detailed manner.
These paintings were called as "tamasha" paintings.
Kishangarh school of painting :
The unique paintings of this school were the ones that depicted the amorous relationship between Radha and Krishna.
Bundi School of Painting
Bundi and Kota were the twin cities whose rulers were devout devotees of Lord Krishna.
Their Krishna bhakti plays an important role in paintings.
In bundi school paintings of local vegetation are in great detail. Human faces were round with pointed nose in the paintings. Color of sky is painted in different colors and a red ribbon is visible in the sky.
Marwar school of painting
The paintings are from regions like Jaipur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Earlier paintings had a mughal influence and later paintings had a rajput element.
Bikaner school of painting
It was one of the first states to forge an alliance with the Mughals. This benefited it greatly and Mughal art is seen heavily in the work of the artists.
Earlier paintings of bikaner were made by the "patshahi chitrakars" i.e. artists who had been influenced by Mughal traditions.
Pahari style of Painting
These paintings were developed in the himalayan states and were under the lordship of the mughals.
Pahari paintings had two types: Jammu or Dogra school (North series) and Kangara school (South series).
The themes ranged from mythology to literature.
Two of the greatest figures in this school were Nainsukh and Manaku.
The difference between miniatures of North India and the South were the heavy use of gold in Southern paintings.
The artists focused on painting divine beings instead of rulers who patronized them.
Tanjore paintings
These were patronised by Marathas in the 18th century. The artists used gold leaf and brilliant colors for painting.
The unique feature was the paintings were on glass and board instead of cloth and vellum. They used many types of gemstones and cut glass for embellishment to create larger than life images.
Mysore paintings
These were patronised during the rule of the Mysore kings and later the british.
The major theme was hindu gods and goddesses.
The use of gesso paste - a mixture of inc oxide and arabian gum as a base for the painting makes it unique.
| Rajput | Mughal |
|---|---|
| Initally art was based on murals and fresco paintings. Later miniature paintings dominated these art. | It was based on persian miniature painting style. |
| Deveotional or religious theme | Paintings glorified the ruler. |
| Hindu symbols like lotus, peacock etc were used | The focus was on person in the paintings. |
Company Paintings : Under the British rule, company paintings emerged in India. It merged british and european elements with indian elements. Use of water color, linear perspective and shading made them unique.
Bazaar Paintings : This stle was patronised by british rulers. The art was inspired by Greco-roman elements. Paintings were made of greek and roman statues. Paintings were also of every day bazaar or markets in India. Although religious paintings were allowed but not with the figures having unnatural features like multiple arms, legs and animal heads.
He combined features of Western paintings with South indian art.
He was also known as "Raphael of the East" fondly due to his brilliant brush strokes and life like images.
Madhubani (Mithila) Paintings :
These paintings are made mostly by women around Madhubani town. The paintings have a hindu religious element and also use symbolic figures.
No gaps are present in these paintings and the entire canvas is used.
Since this art got confined to a geographic area it received the Geographical Indicator tag.
Pattachitra :
Origin is Odisa. The paintings are from vaishnav or shaiva cult.
They are drawn using brushes on canvas of cloth or palm leaves.
Warli art:
The paintings are drawn by the tribe Warli which lives in Gujarat Maharashtra border. The paintings bear a close resemblance to the Bimbhetka paintings.
Palaghata the goddess of fertility is drawn among the male gods whose spirits have taken human form.
Paintings are donw using white paint and mostly drawn on walls. However due to the popularity of the art form, these designs are also seen on cloth.