MINIATURE PAINTINGS: ART & CULTURE

NEWS: 100-year-old miniature paintings damaged as water enters museum in Siri Fort area

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Miniature Paintings

  • Definition: Traditional, highly detailed art style, often referred to as painting or working "in miniature".
  • Techniques:
    • Fine brushes made from animal hair.
    • Natural pigments mixed with binders like gum.

Origin of Indian Miniature Paintings

  • Early Beginnings:
    • Traced back to the 7th century AD.
    • Flourished under the Palas of Bengal.
    • Buddhist texts illustrated on 3-inch-wide palm leaf manuscripts with images of deities.
  • 15th Century Evolution:
    • Persian influences introduced paper, replacing palm leaves.
    • New themes: hunting scenes, varied facial types.
    • Use of rich aquamarine blues and golds.

Miniature Paintings in Medieval India

  • Mughal Period (16th-18th century AD):
    • Thrived under Mughal patronage.
    • Decline during Aurangzeb's reign led artists to migrate to other princely courts.
  • Rajput School:
    • Various regional schools associated with Rajput kingdoms:
      • Mewar
      • Marwar
      • Jaipur
      • Bundi
      • Kota
      • Kishangarh
  • Pahari School:
    • Distinct styles associated with regions or courts:
      • Guler
      • Kangra
      • Chamba
      • Basohli
      • Mandi

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/100-year-old-miniature-paintings-damaged-as-water-enters-museum-in-siri-fort-area-9423509/