Miniature Paintings In India

Miniature paintings are amongst the scores of things that make an Indian proud of rich cultural legacy of his country. Miniature paintings in India are celebrated globally for their exquisiteness, elegance and faultless detailing. As the name suggests, Miniatures paintings are complicated, multihued paintings. They are small in size, scrupulously executed with delicate brush strokes. India enjoys a long and diverse tradition of miniature paintings. More about these paintings is embellished in the following account.

History of Miniature Paintings in India

Miniature Paintings began taking shape in India in 6th-7th century AD, when Kashmiri Miniatures first emerged. These paintings developed through centuries. Miniature artists conveyed realism that survived afar particular vantage point. When Mughals in 16th century influenced the political horizon of India, Miniature Paintings get a momentum. Mughal rulers of Malwa, Deccan and Hindu Rajas of Rajasthan also gave their benefaction on this sublime art form. The rich, flamboyant miniature paintings created under Mughals encouraged strong Persian sway. They were patrician, strong and individualistic in portraiture enhanced with the portrayal of luxurious court scenes and hunting expeditions of sovereigns. Numerous manuscripts with excellent illustrations also existed. Flowers and animals were also amongst the common images of the paintings. Miniature painters at diverse medieval courts revealed the potential of immeasurable self-expression in their paintings.

Schools of Miniature Paintings in India

Schools of the Miniature paintings of India include:

• Pala School- The initial instances of the Indian Miniature painting are linked to the Pala School dating back to the 11th century. It highlighted the figurative use of color in the paintings, which was derived from tantric ritual. The other characteristics include using a dexterous and elegant line, modeling forms by expressive and delicate variation of pressure, employing natural color for painting human skin etc.
• Jain School- It laid great stress on style. Exclusive features of this school include heavy gold outlines, strong chaste colors, attenuation of dress to angular segments, modish figures of ladies, enlarged eyes and square-shaped hands. Its influence can be seen on Rajasthani and Mughal paintings also.
• Mughal School- Painting bloomed with courtly scenes. Mughal emperors introduced their style of miniature paintings with Persian stimulation. Court scenes were depicted in splendor. The hilly landscapes were usually the backdrop. Flowers and animals were immensely depicted.
• Rajasthani School- Several distinct schools of painting evolved in Rajasthan. The four main schools are- Mewar, Marwar, Bundi-Kota and Amber-Jaipur. The most imperative Marwar centers were Bikaner and Jodhpur. Rulers of these centers employed Mughal-trained artists. Rajsthani miniatures are the most eminent among paintings flourished under the patronage of court. In each and every part of Rajasthan, groups of extremely talented and creative artists fashioned these noteworthy paintings on wooden tablets, paper, leather, marble, ivory panels, walls and cloth.
• Kashmir School- This school of miniature painting existed taking a new origin during the late 18th century, enduring through the l9th century to the early decades of the 20th century.
• Bengal School- Scores of contemporary painters have been influenced by up-to-the-minute styles.

Nepali School and Orissa School are other notable schools of miniature paintings in India. There are even more art schools giving spotlight to historical miniature art styles. In the present day and age, the art of miniature painting in India is active with all cultural amalgamation. There are many artists in India who have dedicated their entire life to miniature painting with various mediums. Amongst the renowned miniature painting artists of India, the name of Amita shines brilliantly. The colors used in miniatures are by and large derived from natural sources like vegetables, conch shells, minerals and indigo. Some of the paintings also use pure gold and other precious stones and gems to haul out the colors for titivating these miniature paintings. Undoubtedly, Indian miniature paintings are a feather to the cap of Indian art and paintings.