Rajasthan School of Miniature painting
Rajasthan School of Paintings Originated in Gujrata and Mewar region during the 15th century
Broil Gray , O.C. Ganguly and Dr.Harman Gweths investigated much in the field.
Following are the main resources of Rajasthan School of Painting
(1) Jain Gujarat Style of Painting during the reign of Man Singh Tomar Gwalior fort.
(2) Rajnama - 1583 to 1586
(3) Wall Paintings in Garden Palace of Man Singh Kachbwaha in Bairat.
(4) Paintings in the Palace of Amber king , Bihari Mal and Bhagwan Das during 16th AD.
(5) Wall paintings of jahangir period in the fort of Orchha; and
(6) Geet Govind painted during 17th A.D in the Prince of Wales meuseum .
4) Royal house and the nobility were portrayed in abundance.
Jaipur:- Jaipur paintings , from the time of Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803) experienced an entirely new look .Imperial Delhi was in disgrace and decline. It, therefore , ceased to make any genuine impression on Rajput art. Its period lies between 1600 to 1900 A.D. Many paintings of this style are made in the middle and end of the 18th century in the form of cave paintings. Beautiful co-ordinate of devotion and lovely sentiments or getups are found.
Miraculous paintings of "Krishna Lila" , Raga -Raginis" , "Raslila", "Hunting" and "War of elephants" have been made . Artists of Jaipur were well versed in garden paintings.Except Green color, red , yellow , sky and golden colors were used.
It was also the time of general lawlessness and insecurity and laxity of morals and immense luxury.It , therefore, gave rise to a new approach to religion for easing of the conscience. For instance, Rasila of Krishna became "an earthly erotic amusement". All this was reflected in painting. Although it retained its conventional expressions, the painting became an extravagantly decorative art.
(5) Wall paintings of jahangir period in the fort of Orchha; and
(6) Geet Govind painted during 17th A.D in the Prince of Wales meuseum .
The main features or characteristics of Rajasthan Paintings are :-
1) The indigenous style of the Rajasthan painting shows a primitive vigour , bold outlines and brilliant colours set in a harmonious pattern . Regional features in the depiction of facial types , local scenery and technical details can be found in different sub-schools.
2) In Rajasthan painting , the symbolic exprssion of multiple aesthetic sentiments of Indian life, its daily activities and sudden flashes of emotional thoughts are drawing a unique style.
3)Composition are very clear and simple, which are represented through specific misical modes and religious themes with Radha and Krishna are profusely illustrated.
4)All figures are in same dimension in complete disregard of perspective. Women figures are duplicated in same manner as symbol of all femininity with lotus eyes, flowing treases ,firm breasts,slender waists and rosy hands.
5)Paintings are two dimensional with simplification of lines and flat colour scheme .colours have been used harmoniously and special meanings of individual colours i.e. red denotes warm, emotion and fury, yellow the marvelous etc . have been give. The use of bright red , blue , yellow and green colour gives a contrasting brilliance.Gold and silver colour have been delicately used which add a special glamour to these paintings.
2) In Rajasthan painting , the symbolic exprssion of multiple aesthetic sentiments of Indian life, its daily activities and sudden flashes of emotional thoughts are drawing a unique style.
3)Composition are very clear and simple, which are represented through specific misical modes and religious themes with Radha and Krishna are profusely illustrated.
4)All figures are in same dimension in complete disregard of perspective. Women figures are duplicated in same manner as symbol of all femininity with lotus eyes, flowing treases ,firm breasts,slender waists and rosy hands.
5)Paintings are two dimensional with simplification of lines and flat colour scheme .colours have been used harmoniously and special meanings of individual colours i.e. red denotes warm, emotion and fury, yellow the marvelous etc . have been give. The use of bright red , blue , yellow and green colour gives a contrasting brilliance.Gold and silver colour have been delicately used which add a special glamour to these paintings.
Sub schools of Rajasthani School of Miniature Paintings :-
Jodhpur :- Jodhpur developed the pictorial art on its own lines and Mughal stylistic trends to get into the background . From the time of Jodhpur School of Miniature; Raja Udai Singh made peace with the Mughals , the early Rajput trends went out of fashion at the court.
After 1750, however, the Rajput elements began to emerge once again, and though the later Rajput artists continued to show a preference for Mughal techniques, the art slowly changed into a genuine Rajput style.
The most important Jodhpur illustrations are equestrian portraits of the royal house and the nobility.The Jodhpur and Nagpur paintings show very bold types of expressions with beard , fish eyes in human faces and highly stylized of trees type by the 18th century , the art of Rajasthani paintings had spread to every princely court of Rajasthan.
This school is essentially Hindu in feeling and was inspired by " a renaissanceof the popular Hindu culture in the grab of Vaisnavism which from 15th century was dominating the art and literature of the country.
Characteristics:-
1 ) In this school of painting very bold expressions were shown in the painting .
2) Broad , fish like eyes, the figures of women with heavy red lips were made.
3) Highly stylized tree types were painted.4) Royal house and the nobility were portrayed in abundance.
Jaipur:- Jaipur paintings , from the time of Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803) experienced an entirely new look .Imperial Delhi was in disgrace and decline. It, therefore , ceased to make any genuine impression on Rajput art. Its period lies between 1600 to 1900 A.D. Many paintings of this style are made in the middle and end of the 18th century in the form of cave paintings. Beautiful co-ordinate of devotion and lovely sentiments or getups are found.
Miraculous paintings of "Krishna Lila" , Raga -Raginis" , "Raslila", "Hunting" and "War of elephants" have been made . Artists of Jaipur were well versed in garden paintings.Except Green color, red , yellow , sky and golden colors were used.
It was also the time of general lawlessness and insecurity and laxity of morals and immense luxury.It , therefore, gave rise to a new approach to religion for easing of the conscience. For instance, Rasila of Krishna became "an earthly erotic amusement". All this was reflected in painting. Although it retained its conventional expressions, the painting became an extravagantly decorative art.
Features of the Jaipur Painting:-
1. In the paintings of Jaipur, there is a grace in the use of colours and lines. there is the expression of emotion of different postures.
2.The faces of women are round , figures are in medium size, eyes are large and elongated with an upward curve. The male figures have robust body , round nose, and hair reaching up to the ear. The men wear loose pyjamas and turbans studded with diamonds. Ghagras of women are painted with dark colours.
3.Jaipur paintings have ornamented border.Light and shade has been used property.
Bikaner:- 1571 to 1611 A.D :- "Raja Ram Singh ":- Most of the paitner of this school were liberal muslims who painted "Ragamala" and "Barahmasa" etc. Specimens are found in "Anup Mahal " and "Phoolmahal's interior decoration as well as on the doors of Sujan Mahal".
Features of the Bikaner Painting:-
1) Main themes of Bikaner paintings are based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna legends, Ragmala and othere love scenes of Radha and Krishna .
2) In human figures , a little tight lips are painted , eyes are half open, chin small, wrists are very thin, chest in comparison to other Rajput style seems underdeveloped and moustaches of men , a little downward bent. Ghagras of the women are decorated with diagonal stripes.
3)Clouds are painted in special circular style. Hunting sense have also been beautifully depicted.
Mewar:- "Jagat Singh -I - 1628 to 1652 A.D." This was the golden period for Mewar School of painting . "Vijay Vallabh Suri {1423 A.D.}" has crystal clear result of this style. Amours of Radha -Krishna were the main subject of this style .This style also includes the series of "Ragamala" painting .Yellow , Red and Saffron are the main colors and background is smoothly painted with one colour.
Features of the Mewar Painting :-
1) The largest number of painting seen this style is centred around Krishna Bhakti Cult.The customs prevailing at period , village life , senses from Rajput court , marriage procession, songs and dances, inner life of the palaces and battle senses have also been painted.
2)Bright and brilliant colours have been profusely used.
3) Male and Female figures have long noses , oval shaped faces, elongated fish- like eyes.The males use loose fitting garments , embroidered patka and turbans and females use loosse long skirts , Choli and transparent odhnis (veils). The female figures have been drawn relatively smaller than the male .
4) Trees are ornamental, flowers have been drawn in bunches, hills and mountains have been depicted in Persians style and waves in the water have drawn in the basket pattern of Apabhransa style.
5) There has been little use of perspective. Total space in the painting has been divided by the use of colours in different steps.
Kishangarh:- During the reign of Udai Singh's son and Bishun Singh (1809 A.D.) this school flourished as the developed form of Mewar school.
This school developed as one of the Jodhpur School , the Kishangarh idioms rose around the personality of Raja Samant Singh (1748-64), a follower of the Vallabhi sect and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Among the court painters, the name of Nihal Chand is most famous . He developed an extraordinary " Mannerist" style which exaggerated the slender curves and almond eyes of his figures. The facial type, through idealized, is extremely lyrical in the beauty content. The most popular subjects of the paintings are the love scenes of Krishna and Radha.
Features of the Kishangarh Painting:-
1) Subject matter of Kishangarh school is widely varied. Hunting scenes, court scenes, potrait of kings , Nawabs, Emperors and saints have been beautifully painted. The picture of romantic life of Radha and Krishna described in Geet-Gobinda, stories from Bhagvat Puran, scenes from Bihari Chandika and Nayak-Nayika Bheda are the main subjects of Kishangarh paintings
2) Female figures have been painted slim, flexible and tall like creepers . Faces are long with high and slopping foreheads.Pointed long nose , bulging out well- cut - lips, long chins, the long drawn eyes curved upward in the shape of kanjan pakshi and bow like eyebrows have been beautifully painted. Long neck, Long fingers, a lock of hair hanging near the ear enhance their aesthetic beauty.
3)Primary colours have been applied. Horizon and the sky are replaced by creepers and foliages.
Bundi:- Bundi style's development started from the "Sujan's" period (1554 to 1585 A.D). The kingdom of Bundi and Kota in south-east Rajasthan developed more consistently interesting painting style. Bundi painting began to concentrate on court scenes under Rao Chattersal and Bhao Singh and many scenes of nobles, lovers and ladies in palaces were prodeuced throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
Main topics of this style are "Raga-Raginies", "Secret of Heroines ", "Barahmasa" and "Krishnaleela".
Wonderful natural scenes and common people were portrayed in abundance.
The outstanding color is red, white , yellow and green. Red scarf (chunri) and white Bodice (kanchuki) were the common dress of women .
Features of the Bundi Painting:-
1) In Bundi paintings, human figures resembl, but expression differ greatly.
2) Human faces are round and small ; the shades near cheeks, yes and nose add charm and emotion to the figures.
3) Landscapes of hills, thick jungles, rivers and lotus ponds and lakes with water birds have been painted beautifully.
4)The favourite themes of Bundi Paintings are-Ragmala, Baramasa and Rasikpriya.
Mewar:- "Jagat Singh -I - 1628 to 1652 A.D." This was the golden period for Mewar School of painting . "Vijay Vallabh Suri {1423 A.D.}" has crystal clear result of this style. Amours of Radha -Krishna were the main subject of this style .This style also includes the series of "Ragamala" painting .Yellow , Red and Saffron are the main colors and background is smoothly painted with one colour.
Features of the Mewar Painting :-
1) The largest number of painting seen this style is centred around Krishna Bhakti Cult.The customs prevailing at period , village life , senses from Rajput court , marriage procession, songs and dances, inner life of the palaces and battle senses have also been painted.
2)Bright and brilliant colours have been profusely used.
3) Male and Female figures have long noses , oval shaped faces, elongated fish- like eyes.The males use loose fitting garments , embroidered patka and turbans and females use loosse long skirts , Choli and transparent odhnis (veils). The female figures have been drawn relatively smaller than the male .
4) Trees are ornamental, flowers have been drawn in bunches, hills and mountains have been depicted in Persians style and waves in the water have drawn in the basket pattern of Apabhransa style.
5) There has been little use of perspective. Total space in the painting has been divided by the use of colours in different steps.
Kishangarh:- During the reign of Udai Singh's son and Bishun Singh (1809 A.D.) this school flourished as the developed form of Mewar school.
This school developed as one of the Jodhpur School , the Kishangarh idioms rose around the personality of Raja Samant Singh (1748-64), a follower of the Vallabhi sect and a devotee of Lord Krishna. Among the court painters, the name of Nihal Chand is most famous . He developed an extraordinary " Mannerist" style which exaggerated the slender curves and almond eyes of his figures. The facial type, through idealized, is extremely lyrical in the beauty content. The most popular subjects of the paintings are the love scenes of Krishna and Radha.
Features of the Kishangarh Painting:-
1) Subject matter of Kishangarh school is widely varied. Hunting scenes, court scenes, potrait of kings , Nawabs, Emperors and saints have been beautifully painted. The picture of romantic life of Radha and Krishna described in Geet-Gobinda, stories from Bhagvat Puran, scenes from Bihari Chandika and Nayak-Nayika Bheda are the main subjects of Kishangarh paintings
2) Female figures have been painted slim, flexible and tall like creepers . Faces are long with high and slopping foreheads.Pointed long nose , bulging out well- cut - lips, long chins, the long drawn eyes curved upward in the shape of kanjan pakshi and bow like eyebrows have been beautifully painted. Long neck, Long fingers, a lock of hair hanging near the ear enhance their aesthetic beauty.
3)Primary colours have been applied. Horizon and the sky are replaced by creepers and foliages.
Bundi:- Bundi style's development started from the "Sujan's" period (1554 to 1585 A.D). The kingdom of Bundi and Kota in south-east Rajasthan developed more consistently interesting painting style. Bundi painting began to concentrate on court scenes under Rao Chattersal and Bhao Singh and many scenes of nobles, lovers and ladies in palaces were prodeuced throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
Main topics of this style are "Raga-Raginies", "Secret of Heroines ", "Barahmasa" and "Krishnaleela".
Wonderful natural scenes and common people were portrayed in abundance.
The outstanding color is red, white , yellow and green. Red scarf (chunri) and white Bodice (kanchuki) were the common dress of women .
Features of the Bundi Painting:-
1) In Bundi paintings, human figures resembl, but expression differ greatly.
2) Human faces are round and small ; the shades near cheeks, yes and nose add charm and emotion to the figures.
3) Landscapes of hills, thick jungles, rivers and lotus ponds and lakes with water birds have been painted beautifully.
4)The favourite themes of Bundi Paintings are-Ragmala, Baramasa and Rasikpriya.
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