Rajasthan
Paintings
Paintings are nowhere more vibrant and expressing than that of Rajasthan.
Tradition of painting traces back to the dawn of civilisation. Traces of earth
colour drawings on walls and intricate motifs of geometrical and natural designs
on clay vessels and potteries have been unearthed in the proto-historic Harappan
sites of Kalibangan and Peelibanga in north-western Rajasthan. And these traditions
of decorating dwellings and articles are still alive. Rajasthan, is known for
its miniature paintings, reflecting an incredible portfolio of scenes from myth
and legend to history to nature. The variation in art of painting ranges from
Wall paintings on Palaces to huts, Miniature paintings, Phad and Pichwais. Though
many use synthetic colours, the traditional painters use mineral and vegetable
dyes. The cost of the painting depends on an artist's workmanship.
Miniature Paintings
This is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting, colourful
pictures painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colours on hand-made papers.
The miniature painter did not lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms
developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts
illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they gradually
evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal patrons. The miniature
tradition goes back at least to the 11th century. Later the Mughal influence
though their style was of Mughal court style, yet the painters by the 17th century
settled for traditional idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature
painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
Phads & Pichwais
The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives in Rajasthan as Phad. A typical
Phad is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life
and heroic exploits of the two popular folks heroes Pabuji and Dev Narain. It
displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Painted by the Joshis of Shahpura,
near Bhilwara based on subjects like Bhagavad purana or other popular folk stories.
The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the
Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a
variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted,
printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué
form.
Folk Painting
Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony and other
festivals. This tradition is found in villages and rural areas practised by
various tribes. They are very original, fresh and done with raw-hand.
One of the largest ateliers in Rajasthan was to be found in Udaipur where progression
in miniature art has been rapid. The main theme consisted of traditional texts
that ranged from the Krishna Leela to the Ramayana and the Bhagvad Puran (epics
of India).The Mewar school is celebrated for its strong colour emphasised along
with the accentuated Mughal cross fertilisation .
The Rathore Kingdoms tended to depict similar creative characteristics although
they were often at loggerheads, which was rather synonymous to them. With creative
expressions they become patrons of some of the greatest collection of Sanskrit
and vernacular text and commissioned paintings on a generous scale. The Jodhpur
artist merges their works with the traditional figures where the faces were
accentuated and the eyes are large and curving (in what have come to be referred
to as Jodhpuri eyes). The turbans work high and they portray a sense of vibrant
energy. The backgrounds tends to be characteristic with thick rolling clouds.
The Paintings do give a peculiar look.
