Indian Paintings and their Types

Meta Description – Indian paintings are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage, religious diversity, and artistic evolution. Indian paintings can be classified into prehistoric paintings, mural paintings, folk paintings, miniature paintings and modern paintings.

Indian paintings have a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. It reflects the country’s cultural, religious, and social evolution. The roots of Indian painting can be traced back to prehistoric times (around 30,000 years old), with evidence of cave paintings in places like Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh. As civilization progressed, the religious and philosophical ideas of India began to find expression in its art. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism played prominent roles in shaping the themes of Indian paintings. The frescoes of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 7th century CE, are the finest examples of early Indian art.

In this article, we have covered all the important information on Indian paintings and their types, tracing their evolution across the Indian subcontinent.

Principal of Indian Paintings

The regional diversity reflected in Indian paintings is a testament to the country’s cultural richness. Vatsyayana, an ancient Indian philosopher, mentioned the six major principles, shadganas, and limbs of Indian painting in his famous book “Kamasutra”. These principles serve as a guide for artists, providing a framework for them to express their creativity. They are given as follows:

• Rupabheda: Numerous types of forms
• Lavanyayoganam: immersion of emotions
• Varnikabhanga: Blending of colours to create the effects of modelling
• Pramanam: The proportion of the object or subject
• Sadrisyan: The portrayal of the subject’s likelihood:
• Bhava: Depiction of emotions and expressions in a painting

Types of Indian Paintings

The different types of paintings in India are discussed below:

1. Prehistoric Paintings of India

The first discovery of rock paintings in India was done by an archaeologist named Archibald Carlyle in the years 1867–1868. Various rock paintings were discovered on the cave walls of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, etc. The Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh stand out as one of the most significant sites showcasing prehistoric paintings in India.

Features of Prehistoric Paintings in India

The features of Prehistoric Paintings in India are

• Prehistoric paintings in India can be seen throughout the Mesolithic, Chalcolithic, and Palaeolithic periods.
• The prehistoric paintings predominantly depict scenes from daily life. These scenes include hunting, dancing, and communal gatherings.
• Images of bison, deer, elephants, and tigers are commonly found, reflecting the rich biodiversity of the region.
• Earthy tones, such as red, yellow, white, and green, dominate the colour palette, derived from natural sources, such as rocks, minerals, plant extracts, and animal substances.

2. Mural Paintings of India

Indian mural paintings are a rich and diverse tradition of wall art that has evolved from the 2nd century BC until the 10th century AD. Ajanta and Ellora Cave Paintings, Ravan Chhaya Rock Shelter, Ajanta, Bagh, and Sittanavasal are some significant locations where the most famous Indian mural paintings can be found.

Features of Mural Paintings in India

The features of Mural Paintings are:

• These paintings revolve around religious and mythological themes with depictions of gods, goddesses, and epic stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Indian murals are characterised by a rich and vibrant colour palette. Bold and bright colours, including deep blues, reds, yellows, and greens, are commonly used to create visually striking compositions.
• Mural paintings in India are frequently integrated into the architecture of temples, palaces, and caves.
• Some Indian mural paintings, such as Tanjore paintings, have gold leaf and other embellishments.

S.No.	Mural Paintings in India	State	Features
1.	Ajanta and Ellora Cave Paintings	Maharashtra	Theme: Buddhism Depict scenes from the life of Buddha, Jataka tales. Known for their use of natural pigments, detailing in clothing and jewellery. A sense of fluidity in the portrayal of characters.
2.	Bengal Patachitra	West Bengal	Theme: Hinduism Characterised by intricate details, bold outlines, and vibrant colours. Depict mythological stories, particularly those of Radha and Krishna. The artists use a combination of natural pigments and fine brushwork.
3.	Tanjore Paintings	Tamil Nadu	Theme: Hinduism Known for their rich colours, use of gold leaf, and embedded stones. Portray deities from Hindu mythology. These paintings have a distinctive three-dimensional effect.
4.	Sittanavasal Cave paintings	Tamil Nadu	Theme: Jainism Date around the 9th and 10th centuries. Paintings are drawn on walls, pillars and ceilings. Found in Jain temples

3. Miniature Paintings of India

Miniature paintings in India are a form of intricate art that has been practised for centuries, dating back to the mediaeval period. Miniature painting reached its full potential at the time when India first came into contact with the Islamic civilization.

Features of Indian Miniature Paintings

Features of Miniature Paintings of India are

• One of the defining features is the meticulous attention to detail. Artists use fine brushes and sometimes even magnifying glasses to create intricate patterns.
• These paintings are known for their rich and vibrant colour palette. Artists traditionally used natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and precious stones.
• Figures are stylized and may be presented in a flat, two-dimensional manner.
• These paintings depict mythological stories, religious themes, courtly life, and romantic tales.
• Many paintings include elaborate border decorations, showcasing intricate floral patterns or geometric designs.

Examples of Indian Miniature Paintings

The examples of Indian Miniature Paintings are

• Mughal Miniatures: The Mughal school of miniature painting flourished during the reigns of emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. Examples include Akbar’s “Tutinama” and Jahangir’s “Padshahnama.”
• Rajput Miniatures: The Rajput schools, including those of Rajasthan and the Pahari region, produced vibrant paintings. Examples are the Kangra school’s “Raslila” series and the Rajput paintings of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Deccan Miniatures: The Deccan region, particularly the Bijapur and Golconda Sultanates, also contributed to the tradition. Examples include the “Ragamala” paintings.
• Company School Paintings: With the advent of Europeans, a new genre known as the Company School emerged, blending Indian themes with Western techniques. Examples include works commissioned by the East India Company.

4. Folk Paintings of India

Folk painting in India is a diverse and rich tradition that reflects the cultural, religious, and social diversity of the country. Each region in India has its own unique style of folk painting passed down through generations. These paintings are typically created by rural artists and are deeply rooted in the local traditions and customs.

S.No.	Folk Paintings in India	State	Features
1.	Madhubani Painting	Bihar, specifically the Mithila region.	Bold and vibrant colours, often made from natural pigments. Intricate geometric patterns and designs. Depiction of mythological and religious themes. Use of double lines to outline figures and create a sense of depth.
2.	Warli Painting	Maharashtra	Practised by the Warli tribe. Monochromatic colour scheme, traditionally using white on a brown background. Stick-figure representations of human and animal figures. Depiction of daily life activities, rituals, and celebrations. Linear and rhythmic patterns.
3.	Pattachitra	Odisha	Elaborate and detailed paintings on cloth or palm leaf. Vivid colours obtained from natural sources. Depiction of mythological stories, especially those related to Lord Jagannath.
4.	Kalamkari	Andhra Pradesh and Telangana	Use of natural dyes obtained from plants and minerals. Depiction of mythological themes, nature, and scenes from epics. Use of a stylus or ‘kalam’ for freehand drawing and filling of colours. Two styles: Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.
5.	Gond Art	Madhya Pradesh	Practised by the Gond tribe Intricate and detailed patterns filled with dots and lines. Vibrant and bold use of colours. Depiction of nature, animals, and mythological themes. Imaginative use of space and perspective.

5. Contemporary Modern Indian Paintings

Towards the end of the nineteenth century, as Indian painting evolved, there was a perceptible shift from the traditional miniature painting styles towards newer forms of artistic expression.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bazaar style was a response to changing socio-economic conditions during the British colonial period. A renowned artist from this era – Raja Ravi Varma captured the essence of everyday life in marketplaces. Artists like A.C. Smith and Thomas Daniell reflected the infusion of European artistic techniques into the Indian art scene during the colonial period.

The Bengal School of Painting, also known as the Revivalist School or the Renaissance School, maintained its dominance during this period under the influential leadership of Abanindranath Tagore. Embracing a romantic and nostalgic aesthetic, the Bengal School aimed to revive and reinterpret the traditional Indian art of miniature painting.

These transitional styles laid the groundwork for the diverse and dynamic forms of modern Indian art that would later emerge in the 20th century.

Conclusion: Indian Paintings and it’s Type

The various types of Indian paintings serve as aesthetic expressions and carry narratives of history, mythology, and daily life, contributing to the India’s artistic legacy. From the intricate miniature paintings of ancient times to the vibrant folk art traditions and the transformative phases witnessed in modern and contemporary art, India’s artistic heritage is both diverse and dynamic.

FAQs on Indian Paintings and it’s Type

What are the prehistoric Indian paintings?

Prehistoric Indian paintings are ancient cave art, found primarily in Bhimbetka caves. These paintings depict scenes of daily life, animals, and rituals, dating back thousands of years.

What are the most famous paintings of India?

The most famous paintings of India include Raja Ravi Varma’s “The Flower Seller,” Abanindranath Tagore’s “Bharat Mata,” and Amrita Sher-Gil’s “Self Portrait.”

What are the features of Indian Paintings?

Indian paintings feature vibrant colours, intricate details, and diverse styles. They often depict mythological themes, daily life, and nature, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

What are the major types of Indian Paintings?

Major types of Indian paintings include Mughal, Rajput, Tanjore, Pahari, and Kangra miniatures, as well as folk art styles like Madhubani, Warli, and Gond.

What are Indian Mural paintings?

Indian Mural paintings are large-scale artworks created directly on walls or ceilings. Examples include the Ajanta and Ellora cave murals, showcasing religious and secular themes with exquisite detailing.