Rajasthan Miniature Paintings

Miniature paintings are the highlights of Rajasthani fine arts. Developed under the patronage of the Rajput royalty and the Mughal emperors, miniature paintings have reached cosmic proportions in the eyes of art connoisseurs around the world due to its historic significance and ever-rising demand.

The dyes used for miniature paintings are natural minerals and pigments while the base is a fine quality hand made paper. Silk base was used in the Mughal School of miniature paintings while real gold and silver colors were promoted by the Kangra School. Brushes of squirrel hair were commonly used due to the fine mark made by them. Stone colors and herbal dyes are used extensively in this style of painting.

The favorite themes of the traditional artisans have been natural elements such as landscapes (hills, captivating gardens, enchanting forests etc.), men and women indulging in the festivities of the land, religious scenes and deities from legendary episodes such as stills from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Raas Leela, Geet Govinda and human depictions of the raagas based on popular beliefs. The artists who were aided by the patronage of the Mughal kings often recreated court scenes and renderings of the kings in various moods (as dispenser of justice, loving father, husband, musician and statesman etc).

Bikaner, Bundi, Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kishangarh, and Marwar are the main centers where the art flourished. In Krishangarh, Sawant Singh actively promoted the growth and development of miniature paintings and Radha-Krishna the divine couple attracted most attention as the theme of the miniature paintings.

Last Updated on 01 December 2011