Marvel with Indian Miniature Painting

Miniature paintings were made in different regions of India and each had its own distinctive style and theme. Miniature Paintings have evolved over centuries carrying the influence of other cultures.The miniature artists gave self-expression on paper, ivory panels, wooden tablets, leather, marble, cloth and walls. Indian artists employed multiple perspectives unlike their European counterparts in their paintings.

The idea was to convey reality that existed beyond specific vantage point. In Gujarat, illustrations in Jaina manuscripts can be seen.

The Jaina manuscripts followed the style of the caves at Ellora. There was also some Persian influence, which spread from here to other places such as Mandu & Jaunpur. In Bengal, Bihar & Orissa, Buddhist manuscripts were illustrated, mostly paintings of Buddha on palm leaves. They resemble the Ajanta style but on a miniature scale. Miniature Paintings received an impetus in the 16th century under Mughals, Muslim kings of the Deccan, Malwa and Hindu Rajas of Rajasthan. The rich, colorful miniature paintings produced under Mughals had strong Persian influence. The paintings were aristocratic, individualistic and strong in portraiture where the plush court scenes and hunting expedition of royalty were depicted. Flowers and animals were also the recurrent images in the paintings. Mughals also commissioned number of manuscripts with fine illustrations.Flowers & animals were also vastly depicted & in these the Indian artists applied their own skill to develop on the Persian ideas. The Rajput paintings can be put under two broad groups, the Rajasthani style & the Pahari style. The subject matters of the paintings were mostly religious & love subjects, based on Lord Rama & Lord Krishna. Court scenes were depicted as also royal portraits. Bold outlines & brilliant colors are characteristic of Rajasthani paintings.