0Indian Paintings
Indian painting is one of the richest traditions of world art, reflecting cultural evolution from prehistoric times to the modern era. Its development spans rock art, mural traditions, manuscript illustration, courtly miniatures, folk art, and modern styles. Together, these strands highlight India’s diversity, religious plurality, and aesthetic sophistication.
1. Prehistoric Rock Paintings
The earliest evidence comes from rock shelters such as Bhimbetka (MP, UNESCO site). These paintings (10,000–2000 BCE) depict hunting scenes, dancing, animals, daily life, and ritual activities. Red ochre, white, and green were commonly used. Their stylistic simplicity and dynamic movement reflect early human creativity. Such prehistoric art helps reconstruct early social and ecological contexts.
2. Ancient and Early Historic Paintings
a) Ajanta Paintings (2nd century BCE–5th century CE)
Ajanta is the apex of ancient Indian mural art. Executed in tempera on dry plaster, these Buddhist narratives depict Jataka tales, Bodhisattvas (Padmapani, Vajrapani), royal courts, processions, and nature. Rich colors, fluid lines, and emotional expressions reflect mastery. Patronage came from Satavahanas and Vakatakas.
b) Bagh and Badami Murals
Bagh caves (MP) show bold lines and dark outlines similar to Ajanta but more vigorous.
Badami (Karnataka) murals reflect early Chalukyan style with Hindu themes—Shiva, Vishnu.
c) Sigiriya (Sri Lanka) Connections
Though outside India, Sigiriya frescoes show stylistic similarities with Gupta-age Indian murals, highlighting transregional influence.
3. Medieval Mural Traditions
a) Ellora & Kailasha temple
Murals at Ellora (8th century) depict Hindu and Buddhist themes with emphasis on large forms, movement, and limited color palette.
b) Kerala Murals
Kerala’s mural tradition (9th–17th century) uses natural pigments and depicts Hindu mythologies in vibrant reds, yellows, greens. Temples like Guruvayur, Mattancherry Palace showcase this style.
c) Lepakshi (AP) & Virupaksha (Hampi) Paintings
Vijayanagara murals emphasize narrative drama, ornamentation, musical instruments, and royal processions.
4. Miniature Paintings Tradition
Miniature painting flourished from the 10th century onward with manuscript illustration and later royal patronage.
a) Pala School (8th–12th century)
Buddhist manuscript illustrations on palm leaf; delicate lines, limited palette.
b) Western Indian/Jain School (11th–16th century)
Bright reds, yellows, bold lines, enlarged eyes. Illustrated Kalpasutra and Jain texts.
c) Mughal School (16th–18th century)
A synthesis of Persian realism and Indian themes under Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan.
Features: naturalism, portraiture, fine brushwork, depth, shading.
Important works: Akbarnama, Jahangirnama, Hamzanama.
Artists: Basawan, Abdus Samad, Ustad Mansur.
d) Rajput Paintings
Flourished in Rajasthan and the hills, deeply inspired by Indian epics, Puranas, bhakti poetry.
•Mewar School: Bold lines, primary colors; themes from Ramayana.
•Marwar School: Simplified forms, bright colors.
•Kishangarh School: Elegant romanticism; famous for Radha–Krishna (Bani-Thani).
•Hadoti & Bundi Schools: Lush landscapes, monsoon scenes, hunting.
e) Pahari School (17th–19th century)
From Himalayan regions. Influenced by Vaishnavism.
Famous sets: Gita Govinda, Bhagavata Purana, Baramasa.
Kangra school under Sansar Chand became renowned for lyrical beauty.
f) Deccan School (16th–17th century)
Developed in Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, Golconda.
Influence: Persian, Turkish, local traditions.
Features: elongated figures, rich costumes, gold highlights. Themes included royal portraits, music, poetry.
5. Folk and Tribal Paintings
These represent community life, rituals, local deities, and nature using natural colors.
•Madhubani (Bihar): Geometric patterns, myths of Shiva, Rama, Durga.
•Warli (Maharashtra): White geometric human and animal figures on mud background.
•Pithora (Gujarat): Ritualistic paintings by Rathwa community.
•Pattachitra (Odisha): Cloth-based paintings; themes of Jagannath, Krishna.
•Kalighat (Bengal): Bold, flowing lines; social satire; 19th century.
•Gond Paintings (MP): Dots, lines, nature-centric motifs.
6. Modern Indian Painting
Modern painting developed with colonial contact, nationalism, and global artistic exchange.
a) Company School (18th–19th century)
European patrons commissioned Indian artists; realistic style; botanical and zoological illustration.
b) Bengal School (20th century)
Led by Abanindranath Tagore, rejected Western realism and revived Indian aesthetic (Ajanta, Mughal). Soft colors, spiritual themes.
Famous works: Bharat Mata.
c) Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG) – Post-1947
Founded by F.N. Souza, S.H. Raza, M.F. Husain. Promoted modern Indian expressionism, abstraction, nationalism.
d) Contemporary Trends
Installations, mixed media, digital art (e.g., Subodh Gupta, Bharti Kher) reflect globalization and new cultural expressions.
Conclusion
Indian painting embodies continuity and change—from prehistoric creativity to refined classical murals, devotional miniatures, and modern experimentation. Its diversity illustrates India’s evolving social, religious, and cultural landscape, making it a vital component of UPSC Art & Culture .
