Painting of Rajasthan : Types, Characteristics and Modern Painters

General information about Painting of Rajasthan :-

  • Rajasthani painting originated in Mewar, therefore Mewar is known as “Birthplace of Rajasthani Painting”.
  • Anand Kumar Swamy, O.C. Ganguli and Havel called the painting of Rajasthan as “Rajput Painting”.
  • W.H. Brown called the paintings of Rajasthan as “Rajput Art”.
  • Rai Krishna Das called the paintings of Rajasthan as “Rajasthani Painting”.
  • Rajput Painting (Book) :-
    • This book was written by Anand Kumar Swami in 1916 AD.
    • Along with Rajasthani painting, paintings of the hilly region have also been included in this book.
    • In this book, Rajasthani painting has been scientifically divided.

Jinbhadar Suri Bhandar (Jaisalmer) :-

  • Old books of Jains are kept in it.
  • Ancient illustrated texts of Rajasthan are kept here. Like- Odh Niyukti Vrtti, Das Vaikalika Sutra Churni

Division of Rajasthani painting on geographical and cultural basis :-

  • On the basis of geography and culture, Rajasthan’s paintings can be divided into four parts. For example-
    1. Mewar Painting
    2. Marwar Painting
    3. Dhundhar Painting
    4. Hadoti Painting

1. Mewar Painting

  • Mewar is the “birthplace of Rajasthani painting”.
  • Mewar painting started from Chavand.
  • Mewar painting carried forward the ‘Ajanta painting’.
  • In 1260 AD, during the rule of King Tej Singh of Mewar, a book named “Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni” was written by Jains in Ahar whose illustrator was ‘Kamalchandra’.
  • In 1423 AD, during the rule of King Mokal of Mewar, a book named “Suparshvanath Charitam” was written by Jains in Delwara.
  • Research on Mewar painting was done by Shridhar Andhare, Moti Chand and R.K. Vashisht.
  • According to Basil Gay and Douglas Garrett, Mewar was the origin place of “Chaurpanchashika style”.
  • Parts of Mewar Painting:-
    • (I) Chavand (Udaipur) Painting
    • (II) Devgarh Painting
    • (II) Nathdwara Painting

(I) Chavand (Udaipur) Painting :-

  • Rulers of Mewar-
  • Maharana Pratap :-
    • During his rule, the independent development of Mewar painting started from Chavand.
    • During his rule in 1592 AD, Nasiruddin painted “Dhola-Maru”. Which is currently kept in the National Museum of Delhi.
  • Amar Singh- I :-
    • During his rule in 1605 AD, Nasiruddin painted “Ragmala”. (Ragmala = paintings made on the basis of 6 ragas and 36 raginis)
    • At the same time, “Barhamasa” was also painted. (Barhamasa = paintings made on the basis of 12 months)
  • Jagat Singh- I :-
    • His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Mewar painting”.
    • It established a department of painting in Udaipur called “Chitero ri Oberi” (Tasveera ro Karkhano). (Obri = room, Chitera = painter)
    • During his reign Sahibdin painted “Ragmala” and made individual portraits of Mewar Maharanas.
    • During his reign, Sahibdin illustrated “Ragmala” and “Bhagavad Purana” and made individual portraits of Mewar Maharanas.
    • Major painters during his reign :-
      1. Sahibdin
      2. Manohar
  • Jai Singh : Miniature paintings were painted more during his rule.
  • Sangram Singh-II :-
    • During his rule, paintings related to different subjects were made. For example, paintings were made on books like Geeta Govind, Bihari Satsai, Kalila-Damna, Mulla Do Pyaza Ke Latife etc.
    • The book named Panchtantra was translated into Arabic and Kalila-Damna was written.
    • Panchatantra was written by Vishnu Sharma in the Gupta period. It is the most sold book of India till date.
  • Features of Chavand (Udaipur) painting:-
  • In Chavand (Udaipur) painting-
    • Red and bright yellow colors were used more.
    • Atpati pagdi and Kadamba tree were depicted.
    • 3D effect is seen in hunting scenes.
  • Major painters of Chavand (Udaipur) painting :-
    1. Nanaram : He depicted “Parijata Avtaran” during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh.
    2. Nooruddin : He painted the picture of Maharana Jag Singh-II.
    3. Gangaram
    4. Kriparam
    5. Jagannath

(II) Devgarh Painting :-

  • Devgarh was the 16th and last first class thikana of Mewar princely state which is currently located in Rajsamand district.
  • Dwarikadas Chundawat :-
    • In 1680 AD, Maharana Jai ​​Singh of Mewar made him the feudal lord of Devgarh thikana.
    • During his rule, the independent development of Devgarh painting began.
    • During his rule, Shridhar Andhare gave importance to Devgarh painting.
  • Features of Devgarh painting :-
    • It is a mixture of Mewar, Marwar and Dhundhar paintings.
    • Green and yellow colors were used more in this.
    • Mural paintings were made in it. Like- Moti Mahal, Ajara ki Oberi
  • Major painters of Devgarh painting :–
    1. Kanwala
    2. Chokha
    3. Bagta
    4. Naga
    5. Harchand

(III) Nathdwara Painting :-

  • Rajsingh : Independent development of Nathdwara painting started during the reign of Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar.
  • In the temples of Lord Shri Krishna (Vallabha sect), paintings were made on the walls and on cloth curtains which are called ‘Pichwai’.
  • Features of Nathdwara painting:-
  • In Nathdwara painting-
    • Light green and yellow colors were used.
    • The influence of the Vallabh sect is more visible.
    • The walls of the temple were painted with pictures of Lord Krishna called ‘Pichwai’.
    • Cows, banana trees, dense vegetation and deities were depicted in the sky.
  • Major painters of Nathdwara painting :-
    1. Ramchandra
    2. Ramling
    3. Chaturbhuj
    4. Champalal
    5. Ghasiram
    6. Udayram
    7. Kamala (Female painter)
    8. Elaichi (Female painter)

2. Marwar Painting

  • According to Tibetan historian Taranath Lama, there was a painter named ‘Shringdhar’ in Marwar in the seventh century.
  • A book named “Murals in Marwar” was written by Ramavtar Agarwal on the mural paintings of Marwar.
  • Parts of Marwar Painting :-
    • (I) Jodhpur Painting
    • (II) Bikaner Painting
    • (III) Kishangarh Painting
    • (IV) Nagaur Painting
    • (V) Ajmer Painting
    • (VI) Jaisalmer Painting

(I) Jodhpur Painting :-

  • Ruler of Marwar-
  • Maldev :-
  • During his rule/in-
    • Independent development of Jodhpur painting started.
    • mural paintings were made in Chokhelav palace of Jodhpur.
    • A book named ‘Uttaradhyayan Sutra’ was illustrated.
  • Surasingh : During his rule, ‘Dhola Maru’ and ‘Bhagwat Purana’ were illustrated. That is, illustrations were made on the basis of books named Dhola Maru and Bhagwat Purana.
  • Jaswant Singh :-
  • During his rule-
    • Mughal influence is visible in Jodhpur painting.
    • More pictures of Lord Shri Krishna were made.
  • Mansingh :-
  • During his rule-
    • It is considered the “Golden Age of Jodhpur Painting”.
    • More paintings related to Nath Sampradaya were done. For example, paintings were done on the basis of books like Nath Charitra, Shiva Puran, Durga Puran etc.
    • Main Painter : Danaram
    • 63 paintings of Matiram’s book ‘Rasraj’ were obtained from Mahamandir.
  • Takht Singh :-
  • During his rule-
    • European influence is visible on Marwar painting.
    • A.H. Muller (German painter) painted a picture of Durgadas Rathore.
  • Features of Jodhpur painting :-
  • In Jodhpur painting-
    • Red and yellow colour was used more.
    • Yellow color was used in the margins.
    • Clouds were painted more.
    • Love stories were painted. For example, Dhola-Maru, Mahendra-Moomal, Bagha-Bharmali etc. love stories were painted.
  • Major painters of Jodhpur painting :-
    1. Dalchand : He painted a picture of Maharaja Abhay Singh while watching his dance.
    2. Veer Ji : In 1623 AD, he painted ‘Ragmala’ for Vithaldas Champawat, the feudal lord of Pali.
    3. Shivdas
    4. Shankardas
    5. Amardas
    6. Jeetmal
    7. Chhajju

(II) Bikaner Painting :-

  • Rulers of Bikaner-
  • Rai Singh :-
  • During his rule-
    • Independent development of Bikaner painting began.
    • Bhagwat Purana was illustrated.
  • Anoop Singh : His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Bikaner painting”.
  • Types of Bikaner painting :-
  • There were two types of paintings in Bikaner. Such as- (A) Usta art, (B) Mathairana art
  • (A) Usta art :-
    • In this, gold work is done on camel leather.
    • It started during the rule of Maharaja Rai Singh of Bikaner.
    • For this, Maharaja Rai Singh called Ali Raza and Ruknuddin from Lahore.
    • Usta art is taught in Bikaner’s “Camel Hide Training Center”.
    • Major painters of Usta art :-
      1. Hesamuddin (He was awarded Padma Shri for Usta art.)
      2. Asir Khan
      3. Hasan
      4. Ramlal
  • (B) Mathairana art :-
    • Matharana was a Jain painter. They painted pictures of kings and Maharajas on wet walls.
    • Matharana art is also called ‘Aalagila’.
    • In Shekhawati region, Matharana art (Aalagila) is called ‘Pano’.
    • Matharana art got encouragement during the rule of Maharaja Anup Singh of Bikaner.
    • Other names of Mathairana art : Fresco/Araish, Tempera
    • Major painters of Mathairana art :-
      1. Chandu
      2. Munna
      3. Mukund
  • Features of Bikaner painting :-
  • In Bikaner painting-
    • Muslim painters painted pictures of Hindu gods and goddesses.
    • Painters of Bikaner and Shekhawati used to write names and dates along with their paintings.
    • The influence of Mughal, Deccani (South Indian) and Punjabi paintings is visible.
    • Red, grey and purple colours were used.
    • Sand dunes, mountains and flowers and leaves were depicted.
  • The book named “The Art and Architecture of Bikaner State” was written by Hermann Goetz (German author).

(III) Kishangarh Painting :-

  • Research on Kishangarh painting was done by Eric Dixon and Faiyaz Ali.
  • Sawant Singh :-
    • Independent development of Kishangarh painting began during his reign.
    • Under the influence of Vallabh sect, he changed his name to ‘Nagaridas’.
    • Books :-
      1. Manorath Manjari
      2. Desh Dasha
      3. Rasik Ratnavali
        • The above three books are called ‘Nagar Samuchchay’.
    • He spent his last days in Vrindavan.
    • His reign is considered to be the “golden period of Kishangarh painting”.
    • Under the influence of Vallabh sect, more paintings of Radha-Krishna (Sri Krishna) were made during his reign.
    • His girlfriend Vishnu Priya (Bani Thani) used to write poems under the name ‘Rasik Bihari’.
    • He got Vishnu Priya painted as Radha.
  • Major painters of Kishangarh painting :-
    1. Mordhwaj Nihalchand :-
      • He illustrated Nagar Samuchaya.
      • He made a personal portrait of Vishnu Priya which is called ‘Bani-Thani’.
      • Eric Dixon called Bani-Thani “Monalisa of India”. (Monalisa is an Italian painting)
      • In 1973, the government issued a postage stamp on Bani Thani.
    2. Amir Chand : He made a painting called “Chandni Raat Ki Goshthi”.
    3. Sur Dhwaj
    4. Ladli Das
    5. Sita Ram
    6. Sawai Ram
    7. Ram Nath
    8. Badan Singh
    9. Nanakram
  • Features of Kishangarh Painting :-
  • In Kishangarh Painting-
    • Female beauty was depicted more.
    • Pink and white colors were used more.
    • Light pink color was used in the margin.
    • The influence of Kangra Painting is visible.
    • Vesari/Besari (nose ornament), lakes, swans and banana trees were depicted.

(IV) Nagaur Painting :-

  • In Nagaur painting-
    • Murals were painted on the wooden doors.
    • Old age was depicted more.
    • Transparent clothes were depicted.
    • Faded colours were used.

(V) Ajmer Painting :-

  • The influence of Hindu, Islam and Christian religions is visible on Ajmer painting.
  • Rajput culture is visible in the paintings of Ajmer’s thikana.
  • Major painters of Ajmer painting :-
    1. Chand (He painted the picture of folk deity Pabuji)
    2. Taiyab
    3. Ramsingh
    4. Sahiba (Female Painter)
    5. Usna (Female Painter)

(VI) Jaisalmer Painting :-

  • Jaisalmer painting has no influence of any other painting.
  • Moomal was depicted more in Jaisalmer painting.

3. Dhundhar Painting

  • Parts of Dhundhar Painting :-
  • (I) Amer (Jaipur) Painting
  • (II) Alwar Painting
  • (III) Shekhawati Painting
  • (IV) Uniara Painting

(I) Amer (Jaipur) Painting :-

  • Rulers of Amer-
  • Mansingh :-
  • During his rule-
    • Independent development of Amer (Jaipur) painting started.
    • Mural paintings were done in the Mughal Gardens of Maujmabad (Jaipur) and Bairat (Jaipur).
    • A book (grantha) named ‘Yashodhara Charitra’ was illustrated.
    • Amer painters made 169 paintings of a book named ‘Razmnama’. (The book named Razmnama is a Persian translation of Mahabharata which was done by Akbar.)
  • Mirza Raja Jai ​​Singh :-
    • During his rule, mural paintings were made on Ganesh Pol in Amer.
    • He got pictures of Lord Shri Krishna made for his queen Chandravati.
  • Sawai Jai Singh :–
    • He got Suratkhana constructed in Amer
    • Major painters during his reign :-
      1. Sahibram
      2. Muhammadshah
  • Ishwari Singh :-
  • During his rule-
    • Painters started painting ‘Adamakad’.
    • Sahibram made adamakad portraits of kings.
  • Madho Singh :-
  • During his rule, more mural painting was done. For example-
    • Mural painting was done in Pundrik Haveli.
    • Mural painting was done in Sisodia Queen’s palace.
    • Mural painting was done in Galta Ji temple.
  • Pratap Singh :-
    • His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Jaipur painting”.
    • He established a school of painting.
    • During his rule, a painter named Lalchand painted pictures of animal fights.
  • Features of Amer (Jaipur) painting :-
  • In Amer (Jaipur) painting-
    • Red, yellow, green and saffron colors were used.
    • Dark red color was used in the margins.
    • The Mughal style had more influence.
      • ‘Alagila Chitra’ started due to the influence of Mughal style.
        • Alagila Chitra started from Jaipur.
        • Alagila Chitra is famous in Bikaner.
    • Adamakad painting started.
    • Mural painting was more.
    • Gardens, elephants and a man without beard and moustache were depicted.
  • Major painters of Amer (Jaipur) painting :-
    1. Lalji
    2. Hukma
    3. Ramjidas
    4. Gopal
    5. Kushla
    6. Uday

(II) Alwar Painting :-

  • Rulers of Alwar-
  • Bakhtawar Singh :-
  • During his rule-
    • Independent development of Alwar painting began.
    • A mural was painted in the Sheesh Mahal of Rajgarh (Alwar) in which Bakhtawar Singh was shown having a religious discussion.
  • Vinay Singh :-
    • His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Alwar painting”.
    • Vinay Singh has the same place in Alwar painting as Akbar has in Mughal painting.
    • A painter named Baldev used to teach painting to Vinay Singh.
    • During his rule, Baldev and Ghulam Ali illustrated a book named ‘Gulistan’. Which was written by Sheikh Saadi.
  • Shivdan Singh : During his rule, a book named ‘Kokashastra’ was illustrated.
  • Mangal Singh : During his rule, painters named Moolchand and Udayram made paintings on ‘ivory’.
  • Features of Alwar painting :-
  • In Alwar painting-
    • Smooth and bright colors were used.
    • Flowers and leaves were painted in the margins.
    • Prostitutes were depicted more.
    • Yoga postures were depicted more.
    • The influence of Amer, Mughal and Iranian paintings is visible.
  • Miniature painting was done more.
  • Major painters of Alwar painting : –
    1. Shivkumar
    2. Daluram
      • Pratap Singh founded Alwar and brought Shivkumar and Daluram with him to Alwar.
    3. Jamnadas
    4. Baksaaram
    5. Nandram
    6. Chhote Ram
    7. Saligram

(III) Shekhawati Painting :-

  • Shekhawati was the thikana of Jaipur princely state.
  • Shekhawati region is famous for havelis and havelis are known for their mural paintings. That is why Shekhawati is called “Open Art Gallery”.
  • The effect of blue color is more visible in Shekhawati painting.
  • The effect of European style is more visible in Shekhawati painting.
  • Major paintings of Shekhawati painting :-
    • Mural painting of Lord Shri Krishna with 8 gopis in Goenka Haveli of Fatehpur (Sikar).
    • Mural paintings of Jogidas ki Chhatri (Udaipurwati).
  • “Nadine La Prince” (French lady) preserved the mural paintings of the havelis of Fatehpur.
  • Major painters of Shekhawati painting :-
    1. Deva : He made the mural paintings of Jogidas ki Chhatri (Udaipurwati).

(IV) Uniara Painting :-

  • Uniara was the first class thikana of Jaipur princely state. Which is currently located in Tonk district of Rajasthan
  • Sardar Singh :-
    • He was the feudal lord of Uniara.
    • During his reign, independent development of Uniara painting began.
    • Uniyara painting is a mixture of Dhundhar and Bundi paintings.
  • Major paintings Uniara painting :
    1. Mir Baksh : He made paintings of Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman ji.
    2. Dhima
    3. Bheem
    4. Kashi
    5. Ramlakhan

4. Hadoti Painting

  • W.G. Archer, Pramodchandra and Brijendra Singh did research on Hadoti painting.
  • Parts of Hadoti painting:-
    • (I) Bundi painting
    • (II) Kota painting

(I) Bundi painting :-

  • Rulers of Bundi-
  • Surjan : During his rule, the independent development of Bundi painting began.
  • Shatrusal : He built Rangmahal which is famous for mural paintings.
  • Ummed Singh :-
    • His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Bundi painting”.
    • He built Chitrashala which is called the “heaven of mural paintings”.
    • Major paintings : Painting of Ummed Singh hunting a wild boar.
  • Features of Bundi painting :-
  • In Bundi painting-
    • The influence of Mewar style is more visible.
    • Matiram’s book ‘Rasraj’ has been illustrated.
      • Matiram :-
        • He was Bhav Singh’s court scholar.
        • Books : Rasraj, Lalit Lalam, Phoolmanjari, Satsai
    • Trees and plants (nature) were depicted more.
    • Miniature painting was done.
    • Green and orange colors were used more.
    • Animals and birds were depicted more.
    • Lakes, rainbow-colored clouds and dancing peacocks were depicted.
    • During the rule of Aniruddha and Bhav Singh, Bundi painting was influenced by South Indian painting.
  • Major painters of Bundi painting :-
    1. Kishan
    2. Surjan
    3. Ahmed
    4. Sadhuram
    5. Ramlal

(II) Kota painting :-

  • Rulers of Kota-
  • Ram Singh : During his rule, independent development of Kota painting started.
  • Bhim Singh : During his rule, due to the influence of Vallabh sect, more pictures of Lord Shri Krishna were made.
  • Ummed Singh : His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Kota painting”.
  • Features of Kota painting :-
  • In Kota painting-
    • Light green, yellow and blue colors were used.
    • Female beauty was depicted more.
    • Hunting scenes were depicted more. For example, mural paintings of Jhalim Singh Jhala’s Haveli
    • Women were shown hunting animals.
    • Peacock, lion and Champa were depicted.
  • Major painters of Kota painting :-
    1. Dalu : He painted Ragamala.
    2. Raghunath
    3. Lachchiram
    4. Noor Mohammad
    5. Govind

Features of Rajasthani painting :-

In the painting of Rajasthan-

  1. Variety of themes, colours and folk life is visible and it is in accordance with the country, time and circumstances.
  2. Humanisation of nature is visible. For example- Barhamasa
  3. Harmony is seen between the main figure and the background.
  4. Bright colours have been used more.
  5. Feudal influence is visible. For example- Hunting scenes
  6. Mughal influence is more visible. For example- transparent clothes, depiction of margins, scenes of luxury, grandeur
  7. Mural painting was done more in palaces and havelis.
  8. Religious painting was done more in temples and monasteries. For example- Pichwai, phad etc.
  9. Female beauty was depicted more.
  10. Nature was depicted more.
  11. The painters of Rajasthan had more freedom than the Mughal painters so they depicted every aspect of life.

Modern painters of Rajasthan :-

  1. Ramgopal Vijayvargiya :-
    • Guru : Shailendranath Dey
    • Book : Abhisaar Nisha
    • He was the first person to organize a painting exhibition in Rajasthan.
    • Main paintings : Meghdoot, Geeta Govind
  2. Govardhan Lal Baba :-
    • He is a resident of Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.
    • He made more paintings of Bhil tribe, therefore he is also called “bheelo ka chitera”.
    • Main painting : Barat
  3. Parmanand Choyal : He made more paintings of buffaloes, therefore he is called “bhainso ka chitera”.
  4. Jagmohan Mathodiya : He made more paintings of dogs, therefore he is called “shvaan ka chitera”.
  5. Saubhagyamal Gehlot : He made more paintings of nests, therefore he is called “need ka chitera”.
  6. Devkinandan Sharma : He painted more nature, therefore he is called “Master of Nature and Living Objects”.
  7. Jyoti Swarup Kachhawa : He painted more pictures related to jungle and started a series of paintings named “Inner Jungle”.
  8. Bhur Singh Shekhawat :-
    • Other Name : Master Ji
    • He painted pictures of freedom fighters.
    • He painted more pictures of rural culture.
    • Rajasthani influence is more visible in his paintings.
    • Main Painting : Picture of a woman weighing vegetables
  9. Kundan Lal Mistri :-
    • He painted more pictures of Maharana Pratap.
    • Titles :-
      • Chitranipun
      • Chitrakala Bhushan
    • Based on his paintings, Raja Ravi Varma painted the picture of Maharana Pratap.
      • Ravi Varma :-
        • He was the king of Travancore princely state (Kerala).
        • He is called the “Father of Indian Painting”.

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