Art & Culture

Painting

The origins of Indian painting may be traced back 8000 years, and the story of its evolution is intricately linked to the story of Indian civilization.

• Prehistoric painting: Themes included hunting (group hunting scenes), animal and bird figures, battle scenes, and dancing scenes. Bhibetka Caves, for example (MP).

• Mural paintings: Mural paintings in India are paintings done on the walls of caves and palaces. It can be seen at the Ajanta, Ellora, and Elephanta caves, as well as the Bagh caverns and Sittanvasal.

• Miniature Paintings: Miniature paintings are created on perishable materials such as paper and cloth, as well as books and albums. The Palas of Bengal were India's forefathers of miniature painting. During the Mughal time, the art reached its pinnacle and was pursued by artists from many Rajasthani schools of painting, such as Bundi, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Marwar, and Mewar. The Ragamala paintings, as well as the Company paintings made during the British Raj, are also members of this school.

INDIAN PAINTING GENRES

Cave Painting: India's cave paintings date back to prehistoric times. Murals from Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Sittanavasal, and other sites are excellent examples of these art. It reflects a focus on naturalism.

Madhubani Painting: Madhubani painting started in the Bihar village of Maithili. Originally, the ladies of the hamlet drew the paintings on the walls of their homes to express their emotions, hopes, and dreams.

Miniature Paintings: Miniature paintings are handcrafted paintings that are brightly colored but small in size. The elaborate and delicate brush work that distinguishes these paintings gives them a distinct individuality.

Mughal Painting: Mughal painting is a type of Indian painting that is mostly used for book illustrations and is done in miniatures. During the reign of the Mughal Empire, it arose, developed, and gained shape. Mughal painting is a unique fusion of Indian, Persian, and Islamic influences.

Mysore Painting: Mysore painting is a type of classical South Indian painting that developed in the Karnataka city of Mysore. These paintings are renowned for their beauty, muted colors, and meticulous attention to detail. The majority of these paintings depict Hindu Gods and Goddesses as well as situations from Hindu mythology.

Rajput Painting: Rajput painting is a style that developed in the princely states of Rajasthan. Rajput paintings represent a variety of themes, events from epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna's life, gorgeous landscapes, and humanity, but with certain similar elements. Rajput painting's preferred red media was mi nia t ur es.

Tanjore Painting: Tanjore Painting is a popular type of classical South Indian painting. It is a Tamil-Nadu native art style from Thanjavur (also known as Tanjore). Indian Thanjavur paintings are distinguished from other styles of paintings by their deep composition, surface richness, and brilliant colors. The majority of these paintings depict Hindu Gods and Goddesses as well as situations from Hindu mythology.

Pattachitra: Pattachitra is the name given to the folk painting of the Indian state of Orissa, which is located in the country's eastern area.

In Sanskrit, 'Patta' denotes 'Vastra' or 'Clothings,' while 'Chitra' implies paintings. Pattachitra tradition is inextricably associated with Lord Jagannath worship. Instead of using factory-made poster colors, the painters employ vegetable and mineral colors. They mix their own colors.

The Bengal School of Painting was an influential form of art that developed in India during the British Raj in the early twentieth century. It was linked to Indian nationalism, but it was also fostered and pushed by a number of British art administrators. With the rise of modernist ideas in the 1920s, the Bengal School's impact in India waned.

• Folk paintings: India's rural folk paintings have distinct colorful designs that are adorned with religious and mystical motifs. They are as follows:

Indian Folk Paintings

In India, eight folk paintings are recognized, as detailed below:

1. Paintings by Madhubani

Scenes from the Ramayana and figures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are painted on the canvas in this folk painting technique.

Mahasundari Devi is a well-known Madhubani painting artist.

2. Art of Pattachitra

It is an Odisha folk painting. The paintings depict Subhadra, Balrama, Lord Jagannath, Dashavatara, and episodes from Lord Krishna's life.

3. Painting of Pithora

It is a Gujarati folk art of the Rathvas and Bhilalas tribes. It is more of a ritual than an art form.

4. Paintings in Kalamkari

The literal meaning of Kalamkari is "painting done with a pen." It is highly famous in the Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh's Machilipatnam. It is a sort of hand-painted or block-printed cotton cloth made in India.

5. Pat Art in Kalighat

It is a West Bengal folk painting. It began in the area of the Kali Temple at Kalighat (Kolkata).

Paintings on the floor

It is an ancient and traditional Indian folk art. It is mostly used in festivals and festivities. It is known by various names, including Chawk Purna in Uttar Pradesh and Aipan in Uttarakhand.

7. Warli Artwork

It is well-known in Maharashtra. It was created by the local tribes of the Worli and represents scenes from their social and cultural lives.

Paintings of Thangkas

It's a piece of Tibetan folk art. Images of Buddha paintings are painted on cotton or silk cloth in this art genre. It is divided into three categories: Tibetan Buddhist wall art, glimpses of Buddhist lifestyle, and daily rites and activities.