Medieval Period : Rajasthani Paintings

An 18th-century Rajput painting by the artist Nihâl Chand.

Inspired by the bhakti movement of Medieval India and Hinduism, the Prakrit style developed in the form of Rajasthani paintings. The beginning of Rajasthani paintings started in 16th century where the scenes of Karishna-Lila, Nayika-Bheda and Ragmala are famous. The Rajasthani artist is inspired by his own imagination. The paintings of this school mostly flourished into the royal palaces due to which the following local traditions evolved.

Mewar Style

Mewar school of Rajput paintings are concentrated on its conservation style, trying to avoid the dominance of the Mughals. The earlist example of the Mewar school is that of Chawand Ragmala, dating back to 1605.

Towards the end of the 17th and 18th centurty, Mewar style saw revival and late 18th century again witnessed its decline. From mid 19th century to mid 20th century, it continued as a court art. The Radha-Karishna theme is very popular. Sahibdin and Manohar are famous painters of this style.

Radha and Karishna with a disciple. ca.1700

Kishangarh Style

Kishangarh style of painting was basically a fusion of Mughal and regional style. The most common theme of this style consisted of the depiction of the love between Karishna and Radha. Other popular themes imcluded the poetry of Sawant Singh, Shahnama and court scenes etc. Kishangarh school is best known for its Bani Thani paintings. With the demise of Sawant Singh and his leading artists, this shool lost its glory and started breaking down. Nihalchand is a famous artist of this style.

Bani Thani, Kishangarh miniature, National Museum, New Delhi

                       

Jodhpur Style

It is the most famous style of Mewar. It has scenes depicting Karishna-Lila, Barahmasa, Nayiaka Bheda, Shiva Purana and Adi Purana etc are presented here. The human figures are made large, which are covering the maximum area of the painting. The desert scenes are in abundance in these paintings.

Maharaja Man Singh and the zenana play polo - By Shivdas - Jodhpur, 1827
Mehrangarh Museum Trust

                    

Bundi Style

Rajput paintings started originating in Bundi around the late 16th century and reflected heavy Mughal influence. Wall paintings, dating back to the region of Rao Ratan Singh (1607-1631) are good examples of Bundi style of paintings. The time of Rao Chattar Sal (1631-1658) and Bhao Singh (1658-1681) saw great emphasis on court scenes as themes. Other themes include those based on the lives of nobles, lovers and ladies.

   Ragmala series, Bundi School - Ragini Vasanta (Spring),     Krishna dances to the music of two girls - Circa 1660

                          

Kota Style

Kota paintings look very natural in their appearance and are calligraphic in their execution. The region of Jagat Singh (1658-1684 AD) saw vivacious colours and bold lines being used in portraitures. With the arrival of Arjun Singh (1720-1723 AD), the paintings started depicting males with a long hooked nose. Fantasy paintings include drawings of females dancers on elephant teeth, natural vegetation etc.

Maharao Ram Singh II of Kota in procession with
delegation of British officers

 ,ca.1850

               

Bikaner Style

Rajasthani paintings of Bikaner were also based on Mughal tradition. Apart from the Mughal style, the paintings of Bikaner also reflect marked influence of Deccan paintings. During the late 18th century, the city started showing conservative Rajput styles with smoothness and abstractions. Ram Lal, Ali Raza, Hasan Raza, Ruknudddin etc were the main artists. Softness and beauty are evident in the drawings of women.

A Painting from the Rasikapriya
India, Bikaner, circa 1725

                          

Amber and Jaipur (kachwaha) Style

The paintings of Amber and Jaipur show strong Mughal influence. However, at the same time, the bold compositions and use of abstractions reflected regional characteristics. The 18th and 19th century saw Rajput paintings illustrating episodes from the life of Karishna. The other popular themes of the 19th century were Ragmala and devotional subjects.

a yogi worshipping Vishnu on Garuda
, probably Jaipur, ca. 1800.

                             

Alwar Style

This style was started in 1775 AD by the king of Alwar, Raja Pratap Singh. This style is famous for its Fine work and emphasis on the outline of figures. The miniatures of Alwar have extensive use of blue and green colours.

Painting of court scene, Alwar School of art