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A Glimpse of History of Indian Miniature Painting in a NutShell

The paintings of India present artistic range that extends from the early civilization tilltoday. Several forms of Indian painting s have evolved over the years that exhibit a fusionof various cultures and traditions. The earliest trace of India painting can be attributed tothe pre historic period. These paintings are done on the rocks of the ancient caves without-of-bounds craftsmanship. In 4th to 6th centuries AD, the period of Satavahana,innumerous beautiful murals were done in the caves of Ajanta and in other places likeMahenjodaro hills, Ellora temple, and Bagh caves. These artistic carvings beheld thesignature of the golden era of India arts. The southern part of India was reined byPallavas and Cholas who immensely encouraged painting along with sculptures. Palaking in Bengal inspirited the cause of painting during 9th century to 15th century. Paintingsin these periods were done in palm leaves and on the cover pages of the manuscripts. Bysome historians, these paintings are considered as the earliest form of Indian miniature

paintings. Miniature painting reached the highest of its glory during the rule of theMughal Emperors; paintings during these periods are likely to be called as the MughalMiniature Painting.

Mughal miniature paintings is personification of plots and patterns. These paintings aremarked by delicate strokes of brushes, subtle and sublime use of color and thematicextravaganza. The themes of this school of painting were usually taken from the scenesof Indian epics and religious books like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagwat Gita andmore. Images of folk stories and scene from royal courts were also wonderfullyillustrated in these paintings. Glass, marble, paper, silk and ivory panels generally servedas the medium of expression of these miniature paintings.

The Rajput school of paintings drew inspiration from Krishna legends. The emphasis wasmore on love relation of Radha and Krishna. The aesthetic portrayal of their emotion andpassion was the premier theme of Rajput paintings. The Mughal art school of Miniaturepainting, however, mostly depicts scenes from court of the Mughal Emperors, royalportraits, flowers and leaves and landscapes. This school of painting had strong Persianinfluence on them.

It is almost impossible to bind the vastness and grandiosity of these creations in words;one can only feel the gravity and magnificence of these out of this world craftsmanshipwhich were done by some unknown earthly beings that are demonstrating Indias great

cultural heritage from the ages.

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