As the term indicates, miniature paintings are multicolored handmade paintings very small in size. One of the outstanding characteristics of these paintings is the complicated work that provides their distinct identity.
The colors used in the paintings emerged from numerous natural sources like vegetables, indigo, precious stones, gold, and silver.
artists all around the world convey their respective motives through their paintings, the most familiar theme used in the miniature paintings of India comprises the Ragas, a pattern of musical notes, and religious and mythological stories. These are performed on elements, such as paper and cloth.
History
Miniature paintings emerged in India around 750 A.D when the Palas ruled over the eastern part of India. Since holy teachings of the Buddha, supported by his images, were written on palm leaves, these paintings became famous. they had to be miniature in character because of area limitation.
Around 960 A.D, identical paintings were instructed in the western parts of India by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty. During this duration, miniature paintings often portrayed religious themes. With the growth of the Mughal Empire, miniature paintings started rising on a level unknown before.
Types
Pala school
The art form circulate across South-East Asia and soon, the Pala style of paintings became prominent in places like Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, Tibet, etc.
Orissa school
The Orissa School of miniature painting came into existence during the 17th century A.D.
Though the usage of paper was widespread in India during the 17th century, Orissa School of miniature paintings stuck to its tradition as it continued using palm leaves to display this intricate art form.
Jain School
One of the earliest schools of miniature paintings in India, the Jain School of painting increased prominence in the 11th century A.D
when religious texts like ‘Kalpa Sutra’ and ‘Kalkacharya Katha’ were portrayed in the form of miniature paintings.
Mughal School
The amalgamation of Indian paintings and Persian miniature paintings gave rise to the Mughal School of miniature painting.
Interestingly, Persian miniature paintings were largely influenced by Chinese paintings. The Mughal style of painting flourished from 16th to 18th centuries, especially under the reign of Akbar. Scenes from the royal court, hunting expeditions, wild life and battles were often displayed through these paintings.
Rajasthani School
The decline of the Mughal miniature paintings resulted in the rise of the Rajasthani School. Rajasthani School of painting can be further divided into various schools depending on the region they were created in.
The Mewar School, Marwar School, Hadoti School, Dhundar School, Kangra and Kullu Schools of art are all part of Rajasthani School of painting.
Pahari School
Pahari School of miniature painting emerged in the 17th century A.D. These paintings originated in the kingdoms of North India, in the Himalayan region.
Influenced by the Mughal School and the Rajasthani School of miniature paintings.
Deccan School
The Deccan School of miniature painting flourished in places like Ahmednagar, Golconda, Tanjore, Hyderabad, and Bijapur from the 16th to 19th century A.D.
The Deccan School of miniature painting was largely influenced by the rich traditions of the Deccan and the religious beliefs of Turkey, Persia, and Iran. These paintings are different from that of their Mughal counterpart.
Future
Despite what may seem like strict conventions, the miniature tradition is one that often embraced change.
‘The style of painting changed as they made a synthesis’ of different influences, it’s a very rich and infinite visual vocabulary for artists to explore.
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