Miniature Paintings

Miniature Paintings

The simplest among these are done on wall, and though folk in style, they neverthless have some of the flavour of frescoes one sees in the old palaces. The tradition on painting the wall of houses with scenes from mythological and chivalric tales has been prevalent in Rajasthan for the past many centuries.

Miniatures are the most famous among paintings developed under the patronage of various rulers. The are still continues, though with considerably less patronage, in places like Nathwara, Udaipur and Bikaner, although most paintings made now are copies of old originals.

Pichvais: Noted among paintings are those made on cloth, known as pichavais, and intended as backdrops for the statue of the temple deity. Originally, these were made for different seasons and festivals for use at worship but later they came to be sold to pilgrims. In this thin layer of starch is applied on the cloth and painting is done in tempera.

Phad: Special mention must be made of cloth scroll paintings rendered in folk style known as phads, depicting the lives of local heroes. They tell mostly the story of Pabuji Ramdevji and Dev Narainji whose exploits ar sung by minstrels (bhopas) around the villages. The use of vibrant, raw colors and bold lines and a two dimensional treatment of figures with the entire composition arranged in sections are some of the unique features of these paintings.

Nathdwara has 150 painters in the pichavai technique, Jaipur 20, and Udaipur 6. Shahpura in Bhilwara has 20 phad painters and Udaipur 4.

Miniature paintings have been in records in Rajasthan for centuries and have very strong effect of the historical art and its related people. The various schools of painting in Rajasthan are:

Jodhpur School: Paintings on hand made depicting love scenes are more popular then the other art figures. Real gold and stone colours are used.

Jaipur School: gods and goddesses, kings and durbars are very beautifully painted on hand made papers by the artists. Artists have used real gold and stone colours.

Kangra School: Real gold, stone, and water colours are brushed on old handmade paper .squirrel-hair brushes are used. Glittering effect is extended using silver and golden colours.

Mughal School: - Love scenes and the Mughal durbar are depicted very beautifully on the silk using real gold and stone colors. This art today can be seen on the wooden background also.

Mewar School of Painting: These portray hunting scenes which are painted on cloth and handmade paper using stone colours