HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 12: Model Answer

Question: Discuss how Paintings evolved in India since Ancient period in Indian History to Recent Times ?. 8 MARKS (120 WORDS)

Answer: 

INTRODUCTION

• Indian painting has a rich history and diversity. In Prehistoric times the oldest known Indian paintings were created, such as those discovered in the Bhimbetka rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh) & later on developed  Murals, miniatures, and paintings on fabric can all be generically categorised as Indian paintings.

IMPORTANT SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR PAINTINGS

• Mudrarakshasa – Sanskrit play was written by Vishakhadutta – mentions many types of Paintings during the 4thcentury period.
• Brahmanical Literature – the reference to the art of paintings with the representation of myths
• Buddhist Literature – mentions different styles of paintings with various base and themes.
• Vinaya Pitaka – 3rd– 4thcentury BC – houses containing paintings

Pre-historic Paintings

• The pre-historic paintings are generally executed in rocks in the caves.
• The major themes are Animals like elephant, rhinoceros, cattle, snake, deer, etc.. and other natural elements like plants.
• The pre-historic paintings are categorised into three phases – Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Chalcolithic.
• Characteristics
• Used minerals for pigments Eg: ochre or geru. They used minerals in different colours.
• Major Themes: group hunting, grazing, riding scenes, etc..
• The colours and size of the paintings have been evolved through the ages.
• Examples: Bhimbetka caves, MP; Jogimara caves, Chattisgarh; Narsingarh, MP

Wall paintings/Mural Paintings

• The wall paintings in India has existed from the 2ndcentury BC to Medieval times.
• They are also referred to as Mural paintings as they are painted on the walls of solid structures.
• Natural caves and rock-cut chambers are the predominant places for wall paintings
• Major Themes: Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism
• Examples: Ajanta caves, Ellora Caves, Bagh cave paintings, Ravan Chhaya rock paintings, etc.

MINIATURE PAINTINGS

• Miniature paintings are characterised with small and detailed paintings
• Human figures are mostly seen in side profile, bulging eyes, slim waist, pointed nose, etc..
• Different colours were used for different characters and the variety of base was used.
• Often painted on paper, clothes palm leaves, etc.,
• Mostly developed after the 11thcentury AD and mostly concentrated on eastern and western regions.
• The arrival of Muslims changed the characteristics of miniature paintings to a great extent. The major changes have been earthy tones, the absence of primary colours, detached appearances, etc.,
• The characteristics of Miniature painting was varied in different regions of the country.

Delhi Sultanate Paintings

• Synthesis of Indigenous and Persian elements
• Illustrated Manuscripts
• Traditional elements

Deccani Paintings

All regional successors of Bahmani sultanate developed their own distinct style in Bijapur,Ahmednagar,Bidar, Berar & Golconda

Mughal Paintings(16th to 19th century )
Two Persian Masters – Mir Sayyed Ali and Abdul Samad Khan (Humayun Period)

• Synthesis of Indigenous and Safavid school of Persian Painting
• Naturalism with fine and delicate drawing
• High aesthetic merit
• Aristocratic and secular in nature
• Under Jahangir reached its peak

Lost significance during Aurangzeb period

RAJASTHANI SCHOOL (17th – 19th AD) (Western India)

This School was developed mainly when Aurangzeb depatronized Mughal Painters

• Bani Thani (Monalisa of India) by Nihâl Chand Radha and Krishna, are found from Kishangarh.
• Radhakrishna Paintings & court Paintings from Bikaner.
• Devi Riding on a Chariot from Basholi.
• Portrait of Raja Bishen Singh of Guler.

FOLK PAINTINGS

• The folk paintings have been existing since ancient times and the styles and patterns have the huge diversity in various regions of the country.
• Most of the folk paintings are pictorial representations and the subject varies from religion to natural things and also the day to day activities.
• Folk paintings generally use vibrant and natural colours with various natural ground substances.

Example – Madhubani Paintings from Bihar,Warli Paintings from Mahrashtra,Pattchitra Paintings from Odisha & Kalamkari Paintings from Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

Paintings in India show diversity in terms of style in which they are painted like Rock Paintings,Mural/wall Paintings,cloth Paintings & regional paintings.

Paintings generally tells us about cultural beliefs & ethnicity.

Paintings shows various mixes of cultures & forms of life representing Beauty, magnificence, nature, love, lust & day to day lifestyle. Some times paintings are used as Archaeological evidences & sometimes patronage ,dynastic history & regional influences.