RAJASTANI SCHOOL OF PAINTING

– The Rajasthani School of Painting is closely associated with the Rajput rulers who patronized artists during their rule.
– These paintings are characterized by bold lines, vibrant colors, flat figures with minimal perspective, and divided compartments on the painting’s surface.
– Mughal influence is evident in improved drawing and some naturalistic elements.
– Rajasthani paintings depict various themes, including episodes from the Ramayana, royal lifestyles, societal values, and monarchs’ contributions to society.
– The Rajasthani School used various canvases such as paper, ivory, and silk.

Mewar School:
– Mewar rulers were prominent patrons of art, leading to an artistic flourishing during peaceful and prosperous times.
– Sahibdin, a notable artist, painted works like the Rasikapriya, Ramayana, and Bhagavata Purana.
– After Sahibdin’s era, paintings focused on life in Mewar’s courts, with detailed “tamasha” paintings depicting court rituals and city views.

Kishangarh School:
– Known for romantic legends like Sawant Singh and Bani Thani.
– Themes include the merging of mythology, romance, and bhakti, often centered on Radha and Krishna’s relationships.

Bundi School:
– Associated with the twin kingdoms of Bundi and Kota, both with Krishna-centric monarchs.
– Known for detailed depictions of natural vegetation and spherical human faces with pointy snouts.

– The sky in Bundi paintings is painted in various colours with a prominent red ribbon.

Amber-Jaipur School:
– Also known as the ‘Dhundar’ school, with origins in Bairat wall paintings and Amber palace in Rajasthan.
– Features paintings influenced by Mughal-style attire but with a folk-style finish.
– Reached its peak during the reign of Sawai Pratap Singh and produced miniatures for various texts and portraits.

Marwar School:
– Thrived in Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer under Rathod and Bhati rulers.
– Brightly coloured attire was common in 15th and 16th-century paintings.
– Initially followed Mughal traditions but later developed a distinct Rajput style characterized by linear rhythms and vibrant colors.
– Notable paintings from the reign of Man Singh and beyond.