Question

Write an essay on the origin of development of Rajasthani school of miniature painting

Answer 1

Answer:

Origin and Development of Rajasthani School of miniature Paintings:-

Rajasthani School was a continuation of old Indian tradition. This art was

developed under the Rajput kings. In the beginning, this school had Mughal influence,

but later it was established as a purely Indian art having no Mughal influence. Rajasthani

School did not originate as miniature, but it was primarily a mural art.

During the attack of Mughals, the whole Rajasthan was affected but Mewar

remained safe till the end. So, Rajasthani School flourished first in Mewar. Later, it

flourished in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Kishangarh, Bikaner and other places of Rajasthan.

Kishan Singh ruled at Kishangarh. After Kishan Singh, Raja Sawant Singh’s son Raja Raj

Singh ruled Kishangarh and art reached its climax. Raja Sawant Singh was also a very

famous king of Kishangarh. Rajasthan was a place of ‘Raja’ (Kings) or place of ‘States’.

That’s why it was known as Rajasthan.

Rajasthani Art had purely Hindu feelings and had Indian sensibility.

The Main Characteristics or features of Rajasthani School of Miniature Painting :-

 Variety in Themes : There is a great variety in themes of Rajasthani Paintings.

Themes are based on seasons, music, hunting scenes, religious themes like

Ramayana, Mahabharata etc., love scenes, ragmala series etc. In love scenes, Krishna

and Radha have been depicted.

 Colour Scheme : The main colours used are the primary colours (red, yellow & blue),

green, brown and white. Other colours in use are golden and silver.

 Costumes : Females are wearing Lehanga and Choli with Transparent Dupatta. Males

are wearing turbans and Jhoba (a group of threads), pyjama and Patka.

 Facial features : Faces are full of emotions and feelings according to the mood. The

faces are in profile, elongated and oval, the forhead is inclining downwards, long and

pointed nose, swelling out lips and pointed chin.

 Depiction of women : The women of Kishangarh School are very impressive.

 Lines : The lines are very fine, powerful and rhythmic.

 Depiction of Nature : Nature has also been depicted very beautifully. Different types

of trees, floral trees, mountains, water springs and lakes have been depicted in a very

attractive manner.

Explanation:

Answer 2

Answer:

Ans. Rajasthani school of miniature painting flourished between 16th to early 19th century in the principalities of Rajasthan. Dr. A coomarswami The great scholar of Indian Art History discovered this school and introduced it as Rajput school. Later this school was called Rajasthani school. Rajasthan is divided in to parts by the aravali parvat,on the west are the jodhpur ,Bikaner and Jaisalmer to the east Mewar ,Bubdi ,kishangarh and kota .first of all the painting started from Mewar to Bundi and other parts of state.

It was inspired and influenced by Jain manuscripts painting of Gujrat along with Indian traditional art. Krishna leela is the most popular theme in the Rajasthani school. these topic have been derived from the literary work of Surdas .Tulsidas ,Meera bai Keshav das and Bihari lal also from Bhagvat Puran Ramayna and Geet Govinda etc.

Earlier this style was inspired by

Vaishnava religion at that time the followers of Ramanuj like ballabhachaarya chaitany mahaprabhu etc. Had reached this religion to the climax. Important illustrations of Ramayna and Mahabharat of this school are also founded. Besides this theme later on painting have been done on romance ,general folk themes .illustration on Ragmala ,Barhmasa and nayk -nayika bheda,etc.

Explanation: