Discusses and elaborates upon the origin and evolution of the most bright and diversified form of art cultivated in India.
An 18th-century Rajput painting by the artist Nihâl Chand; Image Source: The Yorck Project
During the time period between 16th and 19th Century, the area of the modern-day Rajasthan as well as some areas surrounding it, including some parts of modern-day Madhya Pradesh, witnessed the evolution and increase in popularity of the paintings famously knows as Rajasthani Paintings. They are also known as Rajput Paintings owing to the predominant rule of Rajput rulers during this time in Rajasthan.
However, to better understand the distinct and elaborate character of Rajasthani Paintings, the whole category is sub divided into several schools of paintings like Malwa, Bundi etc.
The differences in the style of these paintings from one school of painting to another shows the diverse character of Rajasthani Paintings. It displays how diversified and appreciative was the culture and how well it was patronized and celebrated. From one school to another, we find differences in different factors like colours, the narration of stories and style of narration.
BUNDI School
The Bundi School of Rajasthani Paintings came up around 1625 CE. It originated in Bundi, as the name suggests. Certain kings of the Rajput clan like Rao Chattar Sal patronized this school of art. This school focusses heavily on the Hindu God Krishna.
One of the most famous paintings of the Bundi School is Rasikapriya which narrates a story of how God Krishna tries to find butter. The painting is adorned with bold and beautiful colors, especially red color.
MALWA School
This school of Rajasthani paintings was prevalent in the central Indian region. The Malwa school of paintings displayed the 16th Century Rajput era and courts. Most of the paintings are created on dark palettes with backgrounds which are mostly black or brown in colour.
One of the most famous works of this school is Ragamala Painting dated to 1680 CE.
MEWAR School
This school of painting is famous for developing the culture of Miniature paintings in the Indian culture. It originated around 17th century and signified an exceptional expression of emotions.
One of the most famous Mewar school of Rajasthani paintings is Yuddha Kanda of Ramayana.
KOTA School
The Kota School of Rajasthani Paintings is famous for depicting hunting, which was popular during the 17th CE under the reign of Rajput rulers. It shows the love for hunting during this era. It also displayed combat practices of that time. This school thrived under the patronage of Jagat Singh and Ram Singh I.
BIKANER School
The Bikaner School of Rajasthani Paintings originated under the reign of Anup Singh and Karan Singh. The paintings of this school display famous epics written like Ramayana. This school was also celebrated by setting up a studio or Mandi. At Mandis, artists practiced and created numerous pieces of elaborate paintings.
KISHANGARH School
The Kishangarh School of Paintings flourished under the reign of Man Singh during the mid-17th century. These paintings are known for extremely elaborate representation of facial expressions and features. These characteristics are prevalent even in the present style of paintings with eyes shaped like Lotus petals.
One of the most prominent depictions of God Krishna is shown by this school of paintings.
Most Famous Rajasthani Paintings
The beauty and grandiose of Rajasthani Paintings lies in the fact that there are many more schools which belong to this style of painting, like Jodhpur and Jaipur school. Two of the most renowned examples are The Hour of Godhuli and Nath Charita.
Rajasthani Paintings are still popular and loved by the people because of the bold colors and beautiful depiction of a wide range of topics from religion to courts to hunting and many more.
