General information about Painting of Rajasthan: –
- Rajasthani painting started from Mewar. That is why Mewar is called the “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”.
- In 1916, Anand Kumar Swami wrote a book named “Rajput Paintings” in which a scientific division of Rajasthan painting has been done.
Jinbhadar Suri Bhandar :-
- Located- Jaisalmer
- Old books of Jains are kept in it.
- Ancient illustrated texts of Rajasthan are kept here. Like- Ogh Niyukti Vriti, 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-
- Mewar Painting
- Marwar Painting
- Dhundhar Painting
- Hadoti Painting
1. Mewar Painting
- Mewar painting started from Chavand.
- In 1260 AD, during the rule of King Tej Singh of Mewar, a book named “Shravak Pratikraman Sutra Churni” was written by Jains in Ahad.
- 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 the painting of “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”.
- He established the painting department which is called “Chitaro ri Oberi” (Tasveera ro karkhano). (Obri = room, Chitera = painter)
- During his reign Sahibdin painted “Ragmala” and made individual portraits of Mewar Maharanas.
- Major painters during his reign :-
- Sahibdin
- 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 yellow colors were used more.
- Strange turbans were painted.
- Kadamba tree was painted.
- 3D effect is seen in hunting scenes.
- Major painters of Chavand (Udaipur) painting :-
- Nanaram : He painted the picture of “Parijata Avtaran” during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh.
- Nooruddin : He painted the picture of Maharana Jag Singh-II.
- Gangaram
- Kriparam
- Jagannath
(II) Devgarh Painting :-
- Devgarh is currently located in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan.
- Devgarh Thikana was the 16th and last first class Thikana of Mewar.
- In 1680 AD, Maharana Jai Singh of Mewar made Dwarikadas Chundawat the feudatory of Devgarh Thikana.
- Devgarh painting started during the rule of Dwarikadas Chundawat.
- Shridhar Andhare gave importance to Devgarh painting.
- Features of Devgarh painting :-
- It is a mixture of Mewar, Marwar and Dhundhar paintings.
- Yellow color was used more in it.
- More wall paintings were made in it. Like- Moti Mahal, Ajara ki Oberi
- Major painters of Devgarh painting :–
- Kanwala
- Chokha
- Bagta
- Naga
- Harchand
(III) Nathdwara Painting :-
- Nathdwara painting started during the rule of Maharana Raj Singh 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.
- Cows were depicted more.
- Banana trees were depicted more.
- Gods were depicted in the sky.
- Major painters of Nathdwara painting :-
- Ramchandra
- Ramling
- Chaturbhuj
- Champalal
- Ghasiram
- Udayram
- Kamala
- Elaichi
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 wall paintings of Marwar. (Mural – Wall Painting)
- 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-
- Independent development of Jodhpur painting started.
- Wall 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 :-
- His rule is considered to be the golden period of Jodhpur painting.
- During his rule, more pictures related to Nath sect were made. For example, illustrations were made on the basis of books like Nath Charitra, Shiv Purana, Durga Purana etc.
- Prominent painter during his period- Danaram
- 63 pictures of Matiram’s book ‘Rasraj’ have been found from Mahamandir.
- Takht Singh :-
- During his rule, European influence is seen in Marwar painting.
- During his rule, 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 colour was painted 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 :-
- Dalchand : He painted a picture of Maharaja Abhay Singh while watching his dance.
- Veer Ji : He painted Ragamala for Vitthaldas Champawat, the feudal lord of Pali.
- Shivdas
- Shankardas
- Amardas
- Jeetmal
- Chhajju
(II) Bikaner Painting :-
- Rulers of Bikaner-
- Rai Singh :-
- Independent development of Bikaner painting started during his rule.
- Bhagwat Purana was illustrated during his rule.
- 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.
- Maharaja Rai Singh of Bikaner brought Ali Raza and Ruknuddin from Lahore.
- Usta art is taught in Bikaner’s “Camel Hide Training Center”.
- Major painters of Usta art :-
- Hesamuddin (He was awarded Padma Shri for Usta art.)
- Asir Khan
- Hasan
- 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, 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 :-
- Chandu
- Munna
- 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 and Punjabi paintings is visible.
- Red, grey and purple colours were used.
- Sand dunes were painted.
- Mountains were painted.
- Flowers and leaves were painted.
- 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 :-
- Under the influence of Vallabh sect, he changed his name to ‘Nagaridas’.
- He wrote a book called ‘Nagar Samuchaya’.
- 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 were made during his reign.
- He got his girlfriend Rasik Bihari painted as Radha.
- Major painters of Kishangarh painting :-
- Mordhwaj Nihalchand :-
- He illustrated Sawant Singh’s book Nagar Samuchaya.
- He made a personal portrait of Sawant Singh’s girlfriend Rasik Bihari 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.
- Amir Chand : He made a painting called “Chandni Raat Ki Goshthi”.
- Sur Dhwaj
- Ladli Das
- Sita Ram
- Sawai Ram
- Ram Nath
- Badan Singh
- Mordhwaj Nihalchand :-
- 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.
- Vesari was depicted. (Vesari – nose ornament)
- The influence of Kangra Painting is visible.
- Lakes were depicted.
- Swans were depicted.
- Banana trees were depicted.
(IV) Nagaur Painting :-
- In Nagaur painting-
- Wooden doors were painted with murals.
- 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 places.
- Major painters of Ajmer painting :-
- Chand (He painted the picture of folk deity Pabuji)
- Taiyab
- Ramsingh
- Sahiba
- Usna
(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.
- Wall paintings were done in the Mughal Gardens of Maujmabad (Jaipur) and Bairat (Jaipur).
- A book 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, wall 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
- Ishwari Singh :-
- During his rule, painters started painting ‘Portrait’.
- During his rule, a painter named Sahibram made portrait pictures of kings.
- Madho Singh :-
- During his rule, more wall painting was done. For example-
- Wall painting was done in Pundrik Haveli.
- Wall painting was done in Sisodia Queen’s palace.
- During his rule, more wall painting was done. For example-
- 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.
- Ala-Gila painting started.
- Portrait painting started.
- Wall painting was more.
- Gardens were painted.
- Elephants were painted.
- Men without beard and moustache were painted.
- Major painters of Amer (Jaipur) painting : Lalji, Ramjidas, Kushla
(II) Alwar Painting :-
- Rulers of Alwar-
- Bakhtawar Singh :-
- Independent development of Alwar painting started during his rule.
- During his rule, wall painting was done in Sheesh Mahal of Rajgarh (Alwar) in which Bakhtawar Singh was shown discussing religion.
- 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 ‘Kamashastra’ 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.
- Miniature painting was done.
- Prostitutes were painted.
- Yoga postures were painted.
- The influence of Amer, Mughal and Iranian paintings is visible.
- Major painters of Alwar painting : –
- Shivkumar
- Daluram
- Pratap Singh founded Alwar and brought Shivkumar and Daluram with him to Alwar.
- Jamnadas
- Baksaaram
- Nandram
- Chhote Ram
- Saligram
(III) Shekhawati Painting :-
- Shekhawati was the seat of Jaipur princely state.
- Shekhawati region is famous for havelis and havelis are known for their wall 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 : Wall painting of Lord Shri Krishna with 8 gopis in Goenka Haveli of Fatehpur (Sikar)
- “Nadine La Prince” (French lady) preserved the wall paintings of the havelis of Fatehpur.
- Major painters of Shekhawati painting :-
- Deva : He made the wall paintings of Jogidas ki Chhatri (Udaipurwati).
(IV) Uniara Painting :-
- Uniara was the first class place of Jaipur princely state. Which is currently located in Tonk district of Rajasthan
- Uniyara painting is a mixture of Dhundhar and Bundi paintings.
- Sardar Singh : Independent development of Uniara painting started during the time of Sardar Singh, the feudal lord of Uniara.
- Major paintings Uniara painting :
- Mir Baksh : He made paintings of Ram, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman ji.
- Dhima
- Bheem
- Kashi
- 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 wall paintings.
- Ummed Singh :-
- His rule is considered to be the “golden period of Bundi painting”.
- He built Chitrashala which is called the heaven of wall paintings.
- Major paintings of Bundi painting : 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.
- Nature was depicted more.
- Green color was used more.
- Lake, 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 :-
- Surjan
- Ahmed
- Sadhuram
- 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, wall paintings of Jhalim Singh Jhala’s Haveli
- Women were shown hunting animals.
- Peacock, lion and Champa were depicted.
- Major painters of Kota painting :-
- Dalu : He painted Ragamala.
- Raghunath
- Lachchiram
- Noor Mohammad
- Govind
Features of Rajasthani painting :-
In the painting of Rajasthan-
- Variety of themes, colours and folk life is visible and it is in accordance with the country, time and circumstances.
- Humanisation of nature is visible. For example- Barhamasa
- Harmony is seen between the main figure and the background.
- Bright colours have been used more.
- Feudal influence is visible. For example- Hunting scenes
- Mughal influence is more visible. For example- Transparent clothes, depiction of margins
- Wall painting was done more in palaces and havelis.
- Religious painting was done more in temples and monasteries. For example- Pichwai
- Female beauty was depicted more.
- Nature was depicted more.
Modern painters of Rajasthan :-
- Ramgopal Vijayvargiya :-
- Guru : Shailendranath Dey
- Book : Abhisaar Nisha
- He was the first person to organize a painting exhibition in Rajasthan.
- 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”.
- His main painting is ‘Barat’.
- Parmanand Choyal : He made more paintings of buffaloes, therefore he is called “bhainso ka chitera”.
- Jagmohan Mathodiya : He made more paintings of dogs, therefore he is called “shvaan ka chitera”.
- Saubhagyamal Gehlot : He made more paintings of nests, therefore he is called “need ka chitera”.
- Devkinandan Sharma : He painted more nature, therefore he is called “Master of Nature and Living Objects”.
- Jyoti Swarup Kachhawa : He painted more pictures related to jungle and started a series of paintings named “Inner Jungle”.
- Bhur Singh Shekhawat :-
- He painted pictures of freedom fighters.
- He painted more pictures of rural culture.
- Rajasthani influence is more visible in his paintings.
- Kundan Lal Mistri :-
- He painted more pictures of Maharana Pratap.
- Based on his paintings, Raja Ravi Varma of Travancore state (Kerala) painted the picture of Maharana Pratap.
- Raja Ravi Varma is called the “Father of Indian Painting”.