The Constant Evolution of Indian Paintings

1. E-mail: info@gallerienvya.com Phone: +91 11 41092792 | + 91 7042808785 website:- https://www.gallerienvya.com/ The Constant Evolution of Indian Paintings India has a very long history of being an avid art enthusiast. Artefacts excavated from the Indian Valley Civilisation bear witness to the fact that we Indians have an immense love for art. And cave paintings at Bhimbetka rock shelters trace back this love to the Palaeolithic age. However, not many masterpieces could survive due to extreme weather conditions in the Indian subcontinent. But we steadily caught up to the speed by adopting new styles of painting varying from Madhubani and Pattachitra to Mughal paintings and Modern Indian Art. Indian painting style has gone through many reigns and powers to produce the state-of-the-art masterpieces of the day. Whether it’s MF Hussain or Thota Vaikuntam, every India-based painter has established his or her name in the modern painting landscape. Let us analyse the evolution of Indian art in the form of paintings. Pre-Historic Era We have already talked about the Bhimbetka rock shelters and IVC artefacts. But did you know that the dancing girl’s bronze statue and Pashupatinath’s stone painting have also established a niche of their own? Other cave artworks usually include animal paintings varying from bison and bear to tiger and people. These date back to more than 30,000 years approximately. Literature of the Past It is not just the paintings, but also the literature of that time that was significant to the entire paradigm of Indian modern art. We can find traces of paintings and art in Vishnudharmottara Purana as well as Nagnajit’s Chitralaksana which has set some standards for Indian classical paintings. If you look at Samarangana Sutradhara, you will find accounts of architectural treatises where large sections are dedicated to paintings only. You will be surprised to find some chapters on paintings in Abhilashitartha Chinatamani which is anyway famous for ethics and governance. Miniature Paintings It was before the times of Thota Vaikuntam paintings where miniature artworks of the 11th century were the earliest portable models of fine art. It was dissected into Eastern and Western Indian art forms. It usually depicts Buddhist divinities as well as scenes from the life of Buddha on leaves not exceeding the size of 3 inches. It was more prevalent in the regions of Pala kingdom which is today’s Bengal and Bihar. Later. it happened to face a decline in popularity and eventually disappeared in the late 12th

2. century. The Western miniature paintings usually represent the biographies of Tirthankaras like Parshvanatha and Mahavira in square panel illustrations. Early Modern Era If we go precisely by the date of its beginning, then the very first painting that we can call from the early modern era was from the day when Mughal's reign started in India, i.e., 1526. Hence, the very first phase is dedicated to Mughal paintings. It went on till the first Indian struggle for independence, the historic year of 1857. The types of paintings from this era can be divided into the following major categories. Deccan Paintings This style is an amalgamation of bright colours and sophisticated artistry of composition that complements the decadent luxury. Thota Vaikuntam’s village paintings contain something like this only. Mughal Paintings It has all the intricacies and meticulous attention to detail that can be seen in the form of miniatures. The Persian miniature art had a huge influence on the Mughal one. Rajput Paintings It developed in the royal courts of Rajputana. In this art form, large eyes, stiff figures, and bulging body assets were highlighted. Pahari Paintings You might have heard of the Kangra School of paintings where Lord Krishna’s life scenes are brought to the limelight. It was prevalent in a huge part of sub-Himalayan India. Conclusion Other forms of paintings that belong to the British Colonial era and Post-Colonial India where Raja Ravi Varma and Thota Vaikuntam paintings were appreciated by a large sector of art lovers across India. We can say that Indian art forms and painting styles have evolved by integrating the cultural and political context of their times, becoming more relatable to the audience. Source:- https://www.gallerienvya.com/art-gallery/thota-vaikuntams-paintings-visual-journey-into-his- world/