Miniature painting is the most visible and widely
prevalent type of painting, colorful pictures painted in glowing mineral
and vegetable colors on hand-made papers. The miniature painter did not
lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly
(the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts
illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they
gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal
patrons. The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century.
Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court style,
yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional idioms and
regional elements. And the modern miniature painting speaks of those
age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
One of the largest ateliers in Rajasthan was to be found in Udaipur
where progression in miniature art has been rapid. The main theme
consisted of traditional texts that ranged from the Krishna Leela to the
Ramayana and the Bhagvad Puran (epics of India).The Mewar school is
celebrated for its strong colour emphasised along with the accentuated
Mughal cross fertilization .
The Rathore Kingdoms tended to depict similar creative characteristics
although they were often at loggerheads, which was rather synonymous to
them. With creative expressions they become patrons of some of the
greatest collection of Sanskrit and vernacular text and commissioned
paintings on a generous scale. The Jodhpur artist merges their works
with the traditional figures where the faces were accentuated and the
eyes are large and curving (in what have come to be referred to as
Jodhpuri eyes). The turbans work high and they portray a sense of
vibrant energy. The backgrounds tend to be characteristic with thick
rolling clouds.
The miniatures of Jaipur managed a very active and formal state of art.
Akin to the Mughals in its use of background and court settings, the
Jaipur styles differed in other subjects like the secular aspects, etc.
The highlight of Jaipur School was its use of understated colors and the
depiction of natural scenic views that were exceptional.
Kishangarh
For sheer lyricism and romance, there is nothing that matches the sheer
brilliance of the Kishangarh artist. Being a Rathore Kingdom the works
were more or less similar to the house of Marwar. Under the patronage of
Savant Singh the art developed a more advanced style. The image of
Krishna and Radha took over a prominent style that later on become the
most exceptionally attractive figures of miniature painting in the
world. The famous Bani Thani was basically inspired by the Krishna-
Radha images. The background shares the elaborate styling of Mughal
paintings. The use of fine colors on the canvas contributed in ranking
it among the finest expressions of work.
