Historical Nomenclature
- The first scientific classification of Rajasthani painting was presented by Anand Kumar Swamy in his 1916 book Rajput Paintings. Swamy, along with scholars like O.C. Ganguly and Havell, referred to these artworks as “Rajput paintings.”
- W.H. Brown, in his work on Indian paintings, also called this art form Rajput Art.
- However, Raykrishnadas disagreed with these views and termed it “Rajasthani Painting,” which emphasizes the cultural and regional identity of the art form.
- Notable contributions to the study of various Rajasthani painting styles came from Dr. Motichand, Sridhar Andhare, Dr. R.K. Vashisht, Mr. Eric Dickinson (on Mewar), Dr. Fayyazali (on Kishangarh), Pramod Chandra, W.G. Archer, and Maharaja Brajendra Singh (on Bundi and Kota styles).
Geographical and Cultural Classification
Rajasthani painting is divided into four primary styles:
- Mewar Style: Includes Chawand style, Udaipur style, Nathdwara style, Deogarh sub-style, Shahpura sub-style, and the art of Banadea, Bagore, Begun, Kelwa, etc.
- Marwar Style: Encompasses Jodhpur style, Bikaner style, Kishangarh style, Ajmer style, Nagaur style, Sirohi style, Jaisalmer style, and minor styles like Ghanrao, Riya, Bhinay, Junian, etc.
- Hadauti Style: Covers Bundi style, Kota style, and Jhalawad sub-style.
- Dhundhad Style: Includes Amber style, Jaipur style, Shekhawati style, Alwar style, Uniyara sub-style, and the art of Jhilaya, Israda, Shahpura, Samod, etc.
Earliest Depictions and Influences
- Prehistoric depictions of primitive art can be found in cave paintings at Alania Pass (Kota), Bairath (Jaipur), and Dar (Bharatpur).
- V.S. Vaavankar discovered painted rocks in the Chambal Valley, Kalisindh Valley near Jhalawar, Mount Abu in the Aravalli range, and other sites in 1953.
- The oldest available pictorial manuscripts in Rajasthan include ‘Audh Nirukti Vritti’ and ‘Das Vaikalika Sutra Churni’, created in 1060 AD and preserved in the Jaisalmer Bhandar.
MEWAR STYLE
The Birthplace of Rajasthani Painting
- Mewar is considered the motherland of Rajasthani painting, with roots in the Ajanta painting style.
- Initially influenced by Jain, Gujarat, and Apabhramsa styles, Rajasthani painting later incorporated elements from Mughal art.
- The first Mewar-style manuscript, ‘Shraavak Pratikraman Sutrac Hurni,’ was created during the reign of Tej Singh.
- ‘Supanasah Chariyam’, composed during Mokal’s reign in 1423 AD, is another early example of Mewar painting.
- Scholars Douglas Barrett and Basil Gray trace the origins of the ‘Charapanchashika style’ to Mewar.
- The period of Maharana Kumbha is considered the Golden Age of art, with significant works like ‘Parijat Avataran’ (1540 AD) created during Udai Singh’s reign.
Sub-Styles and Notable Painters in Mewar
Chawand/Udaipur Style:
- Developed independently during the time of Maharana Pratap.
- Notable works include Dhola Maru by Nasiruddin, currently housed at the National Museum, New Delhi.
- In 1605 AD, Nasiruddin depicted ‘Ragamala’ under Amar Singh I’s rule, a significant piece also housed at the National Museum.
- ‘Barahamasa’ was also created during this period.
- Jagat Singh I’s reign is known as the Golden Age of Mewar painting, marked by the establishment of Chitoro ri Obari (Chitra Ro Karkano) and the work of painters like Sahibuddin and Manohar.
- Sahibuddin created personal portraits and works like ‘Ragamala’ during this time.
- Under Sangram Singh II, works such as ‘Kalila wa Damna’, ‘Mulla Do Pyaaja’, ‘Geet Govind’, and ‘Bihari Satsai’ were produced.
- Chief Painters in Mewar:
- Nuruddin: Noted for creating a portrait of Jagatsingh II.
- Om Kriparam, Om Gangaram, Om Jagannath: Contributed to the development of the style.
- Key Features of Mewar Style:
- Distinctive Facial Features: Mustachioed faces, large eyes, short necks, short statures, and Udaipuri turbans.
- Women are depicted with traditional Rajasthani jewelry and attire, such as long skirts.
- Nature is depicted with a balanced composition, using indicative colors like red, yellow, green, blue, and white.
- Kadamb trees and hunting scenes with a 3-D effect are common motifs.
Nathdwara Style:
- Influenced by the Vallabh sect, this style primarily depicts Lord Krishna.
- Pichhwai painting is a prominent feature, showing Krishna Leelas on backdrops and walls behind the idol in temples.
- This style merges Udaipur and Brij elements.
- Characterized by the central depiction of Shrinathji, panoramic cows, celestial beings in the sky, dense vegetation, and Kadali trees.
- Notable Nathdwara painters include Baba Ramchandra, Narayana, Chaturbhuj, Ramalinga, Champalal, Ghasiram, Tulsiram, and female painters like Kamala and Ilachi.
DEOGARH STYLE
- Beginnings: The Deogarh painting style started around 1680 AD under the patronage of Dwarikadas Chundavat.
- Revelation: This style was brought to light by Sridhar Andhare.
- Influence: It is a mixture of Mewar, Marwar, and Dhundhad styles.
- Key Locations: Notable mural paintings are found in Moti Mahal and Ojara ki Obri.
- Prominent Painters: Artists like Bagata, Kawla I, Kawla II, Harchand, Nanga, Chokha, and Baijnath contributed significantly to this style.
- Subjects: Depictions often included natural surroundings, hunting scenes, royal life, grooming, riding, etc., with a particular emphasis on yellow color.
MARWAR STYLE
- Early Mentions: The Tibetan historian Lama Taranath referenced Shringadhar, a painter from the Maru region in the 7th century, contributing to the Yaksha style in Western India.
- Initial Influences: Early images can be seen in the Odh Niyukti Vritti from the Pratihara period.
JODHPUR STYLE
- Origins: Developed during Maldev’s reign. The Uttaradayan Sutra and murals in Chokhelav Mahal (Jodhpur) were significant early works.
- Mughal Influence: Emerged during Jaswant Singh’s reign, with various depictions of Lord Krishna.
- Feudal Culture: Under Maharaja Ajit Singh, the focus shifted to paintings depicting feudal life.
- Golden Period: The reign of Maan Singh was a flourishing period, with works such as Shiva Purana, Durga Purana, and Nath Charitra.
- European Influence: This influence arrived during Takht Singh’s rule, with A.H. Müller painting Durgadas Rathore.
- Notable Painters:
- Shivdas, Shankardas, Jeetmal, Ram Singh, Amardas, Dana Bhati (achieved the peak of Marwar painting), Chhaju, Dalchand (known for painting Maharaja Abhay Singh), Kishan Das, Amardas, and Veerji (famous for Ragamala in 1623 AD).
- Key Features:
- Themes: Famous love stories like Dhola-Marvan, Moomal-Mahendra, Roopmati-Bajbahadur, and Kalyan-Ragini are common subjects.
- Characteristics: Women are depicted with traditional Rajasthani lehengas, odhnis, and red tassels. Men are shown with muscular physiques, high turbans, and royal robes.
- Colors: Red and yellow are prominent, especially in margins, reflecting Marwar’s unique characteristics. The Khanjan bird and regional nature are often depicted.
BIKANER STYLE
- Beginnings: Developed during the reign of Rai Singh with the depiction of the Bhagavata Purana.
- Golden Period: Anoop Singh’s reign is considered the zenith of Bikaner painting.
- Styles:
- Usta Art: Golden painting on camel skin, introduced by Ali Raza and Ruknuddin from Lahore. It reached its peak during Anoop Singh’s time. Hasamuddin Usta received a Padma Shri for his contributions to this art. It is now taught at the Camel Hide Training Center in Bikaner.
- Matherana Art: A traditional Jain style mixed with Rajasthani influences. It involves painting on wet plaster, known as Ala-geela in Bikaner and Panas in the Shekhawati region. Notable artists include Chandulal, Munnalal, and Mukund.
- Features:
- Color Palette: A distinct blue, green, red, purple, gray, and purple palette with Rajput and Mughal cultural influences.
- Depictions: Emphasis on court scenes, landscapes, and Hindu deities painted by Muslim painters.
- Regional Elements: Panoramic views, sand dunes, flower and leaf patterns, and fountains with influences from Punjab, Mughal, and Deccani styles.
KISHANGARH STYLE
- Foundation: The state of Kishangarh was founded in 1609 AD by Kishan Singh.
- Golden Period: Flourished during Sawant Singh’s (Nagaridas) reign.
- Vallabh Sect Influence: There was a focus on Lord Krishna in the artworks.
- Iconic Work: Rasik Bihari was depicted as Radha, and Mordhwaj Nihalchand became the chief painter, producing Bani-Thani, known as the Monalisa of India. A postage stamp was issued in 1973 featuring this artwork.
- Notable Painters: Ameerchand created works like “Chandni Raat ka Goshthi”.
- Characteristics:
- Depictions: Figures have tall bodies, wide foreheads, lotus-shaped eyes, and slender necks. The landscape often features lakes with waterfowl, moonlit scenes, and colorful groves.
- Color Palette: Emphasizes white, pink, gray, and vermilion.
NAGAUR AND JAISALMER STYLES
- Nagaur: Uses dull colors with a Marwar influence. It is known for wooden gates and fort walls. Transparent clothing is a key feature.
- Jaisalmer: Developed under Maharawal Harraj, Akha Singh, and Moolraj. Notably, Moomal is a central figure. The style is characterized by its indigenous nature, free from Mughal or Jodhpur influences.
AJMER STYLE
- Influence: Political and religious upheavals shaped the style. Court culture dominated in the city, while folk and Rajput traditions thrived in rural areas.
- Sub-styles: Influenced by neighboring regions like Bhinay, Savar, Masuda, and Junian. Notable artists include Junian’s Chand, Savar’s Tayyab, Kharba’s Jalji, and Narayan Bhati.
- Noteworthy Work: Chand of Junian created a portrait of Raja Pabuji in 1628, a prime example of Ajmer-style art.
GHANERAO STYLE
- Location: Ghanerao is a significant thikana in the Godwad Region, south of Jodhpur.
- Development: Painters Narayana, Chhajju, and Kriparam developed a unique painting style, establishing Ghanerao as a sub-style of Marwar painting.
DUNDHAD PAINTING (AMBER/JAIPUR)
- Development: The style began during the reign of Maan Singh, with the creation of 169 paintings of the Razmnama (Persian translation of the Mahabharata) in 1588 AD. The Yashodhara Charitra was also depicted during this period.
- Mughal Influence: Mughal-inspired architecture and painting can be seen in places like Bairath and Maujmabad, reflecting the Mughal influence.
- Mirza Raja Jai Singh’s Period: The second phase of development occurred under Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621-1667 AD). Books like Rasikapriya and Krishna Rukmini Veli were illustrated in a folk style.
- Golden Period: Under Sawai Pratap Singh, Jaipur painting reached its peak. A school of painting was established, and life-size portraits, Naika Bhed, Raga-Ragini, and Barhamasa were popular subjects. Lalchand was a notable painter who depicted animal fighting scenes.
- Prominent Painters: Artists such as Ramsevak, Gopal, Hukma, Chimna, Saligram, and Laxman were active during this time.
- Art Institutions: The Maharaja School of Arts and Crafts was founded in 1857 AD by Sawai Ram Singh to promote the development of art in Jaipur.
Key Features:
- Styles included mural painting, manuscript painting, life-size portraits, and miniature paintings.
- The Alagila, Arish, and Morakasi methods were unique to Jaipur, where painting was done on specially treated plaster surfaces.
- Red-yellow, saffron, and green colors were commonly used, with dark red filling the margins.
ALWAR PAINTING
- Origins: Began with the arrival of Shivkumar and Daluram, painters who came with Pratap Singh, the founder of Alwar.
- Golden Period: The reign of Vinay Singh was considered the golden age. He was as influential in Alwar painting as Akbar was in Mughal painting.
- Notable Painters: Baldev, Ghulam Ali, and Moolchand contributed to Alwar’s art scene.
- Styles and Subjects: Paintings often depicted Bakhtawar Singh engaging with Naths, Jogis, and Fakirs in religious discussions. Themes like prostitute portraits, Yogasana depictions, and miniatures were popular.
Key Features:
- Use of smooth and bright colors, flowers, and creepers in the margins.
- Influences from Jaipur, Mughal, and Iranian painting styles.
UNIARA STYLE
- Development: Supported by Rao Sardar Singh, painters like Dheem, Bhima, Meerbaksh, Kashi, and Ramlakhan thrived here.
- Influences: Exhibited a blend of Bundi and Jaipur styles.
- Subjects: Paintings often depicted scenes from the Ramayana, especially Rama-Sita scenes.
SHEKHAWATI PAINTING
- Known As: The region is famously called the Open Art Gallery due to the extensive murals on Shekhawati havelis.
- Color Palette: Brown, blue, and pink colors were predominantly used.
- Themes: Popular themes included elephants, horses, Mallayudh (wrestling), Dadhimanthan (churning of the ocean), Gaudohan (cow worship), Kamakala, and Raga-Ragini.
- Cultural Heritage: Nadine La Prince from France has made significant efforts to preserve the murals in the Fatehpur region.
HADAUTI PAINTING (BUNDI)
- Development: The Bundi painting style originated during Surjan Singh’s time.
- Rangmahal: Built during Shatrushaal’s reign, it is known for its world-famous murals.
- South Indian Influence: Came into the style during Bhavsinh and Anirudh Singh’s participation in wars in South India.
- Golden Period: Ummed Singh’s reign is considered the zenith, with the creation of Chitrashala, known for its frescoes.
Key Features:
- Green, pink, red, and ochre were prominent colors.
- Depictions included nature, Raga-Ragini, Nayika Bhed, seasonal descriptions, Krishna Leela, Durbar scenes, and animal and bird illustrations.
KOTA PAINTING
- Beginnings: Developed under Ram Singh’s reign.
- Vallabh Sect Influence: Bhim Singh‘s time saw an increase in depictions of Lord Krishna.
- Golden Period: Under Ummed Singh, the Kota style flourished.
Key Features:
- Focused on women’s beauty and hunting scenes. Women were often depicted hunting animals.
- Use of light green, yellow, and blue.
- Ragamala paintings by artists like Dalu were notable.
MODERN PAINTERS OF RAJASTHAN
- Ramgopal Vijayvargiya
- Mentor: Shailendranath De
- Contributions: Pioneer of the “first ever solo exhibition.”
- Literary Work: Authored a book called Abhisar Nisha.
- Govardhan Lal “Baba”
- Known for depicting the Bhil tribe, earning the title “Painter of Bheels.”
- Notable Work: Procession.
- Saubhagya Mal Gehlot
- Recognized as the “Painter of Need”.
- Parmanand Choyal
- Called the “Painter of Buffalo” due to his frequent depictions of buffaloes in his work.
- Jagmohan Mathodia
- Referred to as the “Painter of Dog” for his artworks featuring dogs.
- Kundan Lal Mistry
- Famous for paintings of Maharana Pratap.
- Influenced Raja Ravi Varma to paint Maharana Pratap.
- Awards: Received the Chitrakala Bhushan.
- Other Works: Kumharin Bazar ki Aur, Shamadan, Gramyabala, Sita Swayamvar.
- Bhur Singh Shekhawat
- Known for capturing the essence of Rajasthani culture.
- Notable Works: A winter evening scene with a woman cooking, a folk artist playing a Sarangi, a vegetable vendor.
- Created paintings of revolutionaries and patriotic leaders.
- Devkinandan Sharma
- Focused on nature and living objects, particularly peacocks and lotuses.
- Jyotiswaroop Kachhwa
- Specialized in forest landscapes, with his Inner Jungle painting series.
- A. H. Müller
- Known for historical depictions such as Rao Jodha, Durgadas, Prithviraj Rathore’s letter to Maharana Pratap, and Jai Jangaldhar Badshah.
Key Features of Rajasthani Painting
- Diversity of Subjects: Rajasthani paintings encompass a wide variety of themes, including depictions of folk life and emotional expressions.
- Integration with Nature: The art connects nature, animals, birds, and trees with human emotions.
- Color Palette: Use of dark and vivid colors is prominent.
- Spiritual Themes: Many paintings focus on devotion, often seen in murals of temples and monasteries.
- Feudal Influence: Paintings often depict scenes of feudal life, like hunting and court gatherings.
- Depiction of Female Beauty: A notable emphasis is placed on illustrating the beauty of women.
- Mughal Influence: Reflected in elements such as luxury scenes and transparent clothing.
- Artistic Freedom: Unlike Mughal painters, Rajasthani artists had more liberty, allowing them to explore a broader range of life’s aspects.
- Natural Portrayals: Themes like Ragamala and Barahmasa (depictions of seasons) vividly bring nature to life.
- Harmonious Composition: The main figure and background in paintings are consistently interconnected, creating cohesive visual narratives.
These modern painters have significantly contributed to the rich artistic heritage of Rajasthan, blending traditional styles with their unique perspectives. The features of Rajasthani painting continue to reflect the state’s cultural, natural, and historical richness.