Indian
Paintings: Ancient, Medieval, and Modern – Evolution, Schools, and Cultural
Spaces
India’s artistic heritage is incredibly diverse and dates back thousands of years. Among the many art forms that have flourished in this rich cultural landscape, painting has held a place of immense significance. Indian paintings, spanning from prehistoric cave art to modern expressionist movements, reflect religious ideologies, cultural diversity, political developments, and societal shifts over time.
🎨 1. Ancient Indian Paintings
Ancient Indian paintings
primarily focus on religious, mythological, and nature-based themes.
They were not just aesthetic expressions but also served as visual tools to
communicate ideas, stories, and beliefs.
A.
Prehistoric Cave Paintings
- Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (Madhya Pradesh):
- Dates back to 30,000 BCE.
- Shows hunting scenes, animals, human figures, and daily life.
- Use of natural colors derived from minerals and plants.
B.
Ajanta and Ellora Cave Paintings (2nd Century BCE – 6th Century CE)
- Located in Maharashtra.
- Ajanta Caves are
world-renowned for their Buddhist frescoes.
- Themes: Jataka tales, Buddha’s life, and court scenes.
- Use of tempera technique and vivid natural pigments.
C.
Bagh Caves
- Another Buddhist site in Madhya Pradesh with murals similar to
Ajanta.
- More abstract and bold lines compared to Ajanta’s refined figures.
🖼️ 2. Medieval Indian Paintings
The medieval period marked
a diversification of artistic expression, driven by religious
patronage and the rise of regional kingdoms. This era gave birth to various
schools of miniature painting and the synthesis of Hindu, Jain, and
Islamic traditions.
A.
Jain Manuscript Paintings
- Flourished in Gujarat and Rajasthan (10th to 15th centuries).
- Featured bold lines, flat backgrounds, and use of gold
and red.
- Illustrated sacred texts like Kalpa Sūtra.
B.
Mughal School (16th–18th Century)
- Patronized by emperors like Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
- Blend of Persian, Indian, and European styles.
- Focus on court scenes, nature, battles, and portraits.
- Notable artists: Basawan, Daswanth, Abu’l Hasan.
C.
Rajput Paintings
- Emerged in Rajasthan and Pahari regions.
- Rajput styles: Mewar,
Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner.
- Themes: Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna
Leela, love stories.
- Use of bold colors, stylized figures, and
nature symbolism.
D.
Pahari School
- Originated in Himalayan foothills (Kangra, Guler, Basohli).
- Delicate brushwork, lyrical beauty, Krishna-Radha themes.
- Kangra paintings known for romanticism and naturalistic style.
E.
Deccan School
- Flourished in the Bahmani and Deccan Sultanates.
- Blend of Persian styles with regional elements.
- Features: Elongated figures, rich
backgrounds, luxurious costumes.
🖌️ 3. Modern Indian Paintings
Modern Indian art represents the
transition from traditional to contemporary expression, influenced
by colonial experiences, nationalism, and global modernist movements.
A.
Company Paintings (Late 18th–19th Century)
- Created by Indian artists for British patrons (East India Company).
- Combined European realism with Indian themes.
- Subjects: festivals, portraits, landscapes, architecture.
B.
Bengal School of Art
- Led by Abanindranath Tagore, early 20th century.
- Inspired by Indian nationalism, Ajanta murals,
and Japanese wash techniques.
- Rejected Western academic realism.
- Themes: Indian mythology, spirituality, motherland.
C.
Progressive Artists’ Group (PAG)
- Formed in 1947 by F. N. Souza, M. F. Husain, S.
H. Raza, and others.
- Aim: Break away from colonial art traditions.
- Explored modernist styles—Cubism, Expressionism, Abstract.
- PAG revolutionized Indian contemporary art.
D.
Contemporary Indian Art
- Diverse, global, and politically conscious.
- Mix of digital art, installations, performance art, and abstract
expression.
- Renowned artists: Anish Kapoor, Subodh Gupta, Bharti
Kher, Jitish Kallat.
🖼️ 4. Various Schools of Indian Painting
Below are key regional
and traditional painting schools that form the backbone of India’s
artistic identity:
A.
Madhubani (Bihar)
- Also called Mithila painting.
- Intricate borders, natural dyes, mythological themes.
- Popular motifs: fish, sun, peacocks, Shiva-Parvati.
B.
Warli (Maharashtra)
- Tribal art by Warli tribe.
- Uses geometric patterns (triangles, circles) to depict daily life.
- Painted on mud walls with rice paste.
C.
Pattachitra (Odisha and West Bengal)
- Cloth-based scroll painting.
- Themes: Jagannath cult, Ramayana, Krishna’s tales.
- Fine detailing and mythological narratives.
D.
Kalamkari (Andhra Pradesh)
- Hand-painted or block-printed textile art.
- Two styles: Srikalahasti (free-hand drawing) and Machilipatnam
(block print).
E.
Tanjore (Tamil Nadu)
- Gold foil embellishments and vibrant colors.
- Depicts gods and saints with jewel-encrusted backgrounds.
F.
Miniature Painting
- Seen in Mughal, Rajput, Pahari, and Deccan schools.
- Small format, rich detailing, and narrative storytelling.
🏛️ 5. Important Museums, Art Galleries, and
Libraries in India
India houses a wealth of
institutions dedicated to preserving and promoting art and paintings,
serving as cultural and educational centers.
A.
National Museum, New Delhi
- Premier institution under the Ministry of Culture.
- Collection of paintings from Indus Valley, Mughal, Rajput, Pahari,
and modern schools.
- Houses Nanda Devi and other rare miniatures.
B.
Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata
- British-era museum with rich Bengal School collections.
- Paintings from British Raj and Indian masters.
C.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), Mumbai
- Formerly Prince of Wales Museum.
- Huge collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative art.
D.
Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
- One of India’s largest museums.
- Persian miniatures, Deccan paintings, European and Indian art.
E.
Government Museum, Chennai
- Known for South Indian bronzes and Tanjore paintings.
- Houses artifacts from Chola, Vijayanagar, and Nayaka periods.
F.
National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru
- Features 19th and 20th-century Indian modern art.
- Artists: Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, M. F. Husain, Raza.
G.
Indian Museum, Kolkata
- The oldest museum in India (est. 1814).
- Large collection of paintings, manuscripts, and antiquities.
H.
Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai
- Cultural academy for Indian arts.
- Hosts exhibitions and archives of folk and classical painting.
I.
Libraries with Art Collections
- Sarasvati Mahal Library (Thanjavur) – ancient manuscripts and art.
- Asiatic Society Library (Mumbai) –
rare art journals and treatises.
- National Library (Kolkata) –
archives on Indian art and culture.
