Rajput painting, also known as Rajasthani painting, is a form of Indian painting that evolved and thrived in the royal courts of Rajasthan during the 18th century. Rajasthan has played an important part in the development of Indian art. Paintings, like other fine arts, thrived extensively in this area, establishing a unique style known as Rajasthani Paintings.
Themes of Rajput Painting
The domination of the Chaurapanchasika group style may be seen in Rajput Paintings in India. The most prominent topics that Rajput Paintings of India revolve around are Lord Krishna's life, the Great Epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, landscapes, and people. Rajput paintings in India have also adorned the walls of palaces, fort internal rooms, havelis, and other structures.
Schools of Rajput Painting
Starting from the 16th century, when the Rajput Painting originated, numerous schools emerged, including:
1 Bikaner School
2 Bundi-Kota Kalam School
3 Jaipur School
4 Marwar School
5 Kishengarh School
Bikaner School
The paintings made in this style include more Mughal characteristics than other schools of Rajasthani painting. Aside from the Mughal style, the paintings of Bikaner show a strong influence from Deccan paintings. Bikaner style paintings have its own distinct style, influenced by the surrounding hills and valleys, deserts, locations and forts, gardens, court scenes, and religious processions.
Bundi-Kota Kalam School
Rajput paintings first appeared in Bundi in the late 16th century, and they were heavily influenced by Mughal art. Wall paintings during the time of Rao Ratan Singh (1607-1631) are excellent examples of Bundi style paintings. Rao Chattar Sal (1631-1658) and Bhao Singh (1658-1681) placed a strong focus on court scenes as motifs. Other topics include those centred on aristocrats', lovers', and ladies' lives.
Jaipur School
Rajasthan is well-known for its paintings, art, and traditional dances. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India because of its architectural beauty, pleasing colour palette, and well-planned layout. Jaipur and the nearby areas of Alwar and Tonk are well-known for their Jaipur-style paintings.
Marwar School
Ragamala, the first specimen of Rajasthani paintings of Marwar, was created in Pali around 1623. Portraits of nobility on horseback and darbar scenes were popular topics in the 18th century. Marwar paintings began to display Mughal influence with the entrance of painters such as Dalchand.
Kishengarh School
Kishangarh painting style was essentially a blend of Mughal and regional styles. The most prominent topic of this style was the representation of Krishna and Radha's love. Other popular topics were Sawant Singh's poetry, Shahnama, and court settings, among others. Kishangarh School is particularly renowned for their paintings of Bani Thani. With the death of Savant Singh and his senior artists, this school lost its lustre and began to crumble.
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