The amazing blend of design and color besides simplicity is the hallmark of Rajput paintings. The beginning of this particular style of Indian painting can be traced back during the 18th century. As it is the Rajputana royal courts that have been graced with these paintings. Inspired from Mughal style of painting which itself is derived from Persian art, Rajput paintings has its own unique features. However it needs to be mentioned that Rajput paintings were considered contemporaries of the Mughal paintings to a great extent. The initial phase of Rajput paintings included the use of limited colors, shallow space besides ornamental brilliance and mythic subject matter. Beginning from the 16th century, over a period of about 300 years, the Indian painting scenario witnessed the emergence of various schools of Rajput painting. The notable among them were Mewar School, Bundi-Kota kalam, Jaipur School, Bikaner school, Kishengarh School, Marwar School and Raagamala style of painting.
The Mughal influence in Rajput paintings surfaced in varying degrees due to many factors. These were the changes in patronage, the movement of artists and also involved political factors to some extent. Two major categories can be considered for Rajput Paintings. These are Rajasthani style and the Pahari style. While the Rajasthani style flourished in regions of Rajasthan, the Pahari style evolved in hilly regions in the state of Punjab. Since the regions were ruled by Mughal feudatories, considerable Mughal influence is apparent in these Indian paintings. Apart from Mughal influence, inspiration also came, in the form of Chaurapanchasika group style which predated Mughal paintings. Nonetheless, certain aspects typical of Rajput School gradually developed which classified Rajput paintings from other styles.
Take a look at some of the distinct features of Rajput Paintings, which are:
- Rajput paintings portray numerous themes as well as events of epics. These include incidents from Ramayana and Mahabharata, scenes of Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes as well as common human figures.
- The most preferred medium of Rajput paintings were miniatures.
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Several manuscripts containing Rajput paintings point out that most of the paintings were done on the palace walls, inner chambers of the forts and havelies. Particularly, the havelis of Shekhawait.
The colors used in the Rajput Paintings were extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells. By processing precious stones, gold and silver too, colors were derived.
The preparation of preferred colors was a lengthy process and sometimes the duration was long enough. Fine brushes were used for painting.
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