Rajput painting
Rajput painting are also called Rajasthani Painting, in India. Evolved and flourished in the royal courts of Rajputana in India. Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and humans. Miniatures in manuscripts or single sheets to be kept in albums were the preferred medium of Rajput painting, but many paintings were done on the walls of palaces, inner chambers of the forts, havelis, particularly, the havelis of Shekhawati, the forts and palaces built by Shekhawat Rajputs.
The colours were extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells, and were even derived by processing precious stones. Gold and silver were used. The preparation of desired colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used were very fine.In the last decades of the 16th Century Rajput art schools began to develop distinctive styles combining indigenous as well as foreign influences (Persian, Mughal, Chinese, European) into unique styles. Rajasthani painting consists of four principal schools that have within them several artistic styles and substyles that can be traced to the various princely states that patronised these artists. The four principal schools[1] are as follows:
The Mewar school that contains the Chavand, Nathdwara, Devgarh, Udaipur and Sawar styles of painting
The Marwar school comprising the Kishangarh, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali and Ghanerao styles
The Hadoti school with the Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar styles and
The Dhundar school of Amber, Jaipur, Shekhawati and Uniara styles of painting.
The Kangra and Kullu schools of art are also part of Rajput painting. Nainsukh is a famous artist of Pahari painting, working for Rajput princes who then ruled that far north.
Economic prosperity of commercial community and revival of “Vaisnavism” and the growth of Bhakti Cult were the major factors that contributed greatly to the development of Rajasthani paintings. In the beginning this style was greatly influenced by religious followers like Ramanuja, Meerabai, Tulsidas, Sri Chaitanya, Kabir and Ramanand etc. Subject related to Sri Ram Charit, Divine love of Radha and Krishna, Barahamasa, Raagmala paintings and those based on Geet- Govinda are treasures of Rajasthani paintings.
The whole Rajasthan was affected by the attack of the Mughals but Mewar did not come under their control till the last. This was the reason that Rajasthani school flourished first in Mewar, (the purest form and later on in), Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Kota- Kalam, Kishangarh, Bikaner and other places of Rajasthan.
Maru Gurjara Art (Rajasthani: मारू गुर्जर) is an ancient Rajasthani art that developed during the early sixth century period in and around Rajasthan.
Etymology[edit]
The name Maru Gurjara has its genesis in the fact that during ancient times, Rajasthan and Gujarat had similarities in ethnic, cultural and political aspects of the society. Ancient name of Rajasthan was Marudesha while Gujarat was called Gurjaratra. Maru Gurjara Art literally means Art of Rajasthan and Gujarat.[1]
Historical development[edit]
During the early medieval period, perhaps early 5th century, a unique art form was taking shape in and around two areas of western India namely Marudesh and Gurjaratra (present day Rajasthan and Gujarat). During this period Marudesh and Gurjaratra saw tremendous changes in the political and cultural sphere and these changes lent a helping hand in further development of art. By the onset of seventh century; art of painting and sculpture had reached its zenith in these areas.[2]
Maru-Gurjar Painting[edit]
Colorful tradition of Rajasthanis reflects in art of paintings as well. This painting style is called Maru-Gurjar Painting. It throws light on the royal heritage of ancient Rajasthan. Under the Royal patronage various styles of paintings developed, cultivated and practiced in Rajasthan and reached its pinnacle of glory by 15th to 17th centuries. The major painting styles are phad paintings, miniature paintings, kajali paintings, gemstone paintings etc. There is incredible diversity and imaginative creativity found in Rajasthani paintings. Major schools of art are Mewar, Marwar, Kishangarh, Bundi, Kota, Jaipur and Alwar.
Development of Maru-Gurjar Painting[3]
Western Indian Painting Style - 700 AD
Mewar Jain Painting Style - 1250 AD
Blend of Sultanate Maru-Gurjar Painting Style - 1550 AD
Mewar, Marwar, Dhundar & Harothi Styles - 1585 AD
Phad paintings[edit]
Phad paintings (Mewar Style of painting) is the most ancient rajasthani art form. Phad paintings, essentially a scroll painting done on cloth, are beautiful specimen of the Rajasthani cloth paintings. These have their own styles and patterns and are very popular due to their vibrant colors and historic themes.The Phad of God Devnarayan is largest among the popular Pars in Rajasthan. The painted area of God Devnarayan Ki Phad is 170 square feet (i.e. 34' x 5').[4] Some other Pars are also prevalent in Rajasthan, but being of recent origin they are not classical in composition.[4] Another famous Par painting is Pabuji Ki Phad. Pabuji Ki Phad is painted on a 15 x 5 ft. canvas.[4] Other famous heroes of Phad paintings are Gogaji, Prithviraj Chauhan, Amar Singh Rathore etc.[5] )