Painting of Rajasthan : Types, Characteristics and Modern Painters

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-
    1. Mewar Painting
    2. Marwar Painting
    3. Dhundhar Painting
    4. 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 :-
      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 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 :-
    1. Nanaram : He painted the picture of “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 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 :–
    1. Kanwala
    2. Chokha
    3. Bagta
    4. Naga
    5. 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 :-
    1. Ramchandra
    2. Ramling
    3. Chaturbhuj
    4. Champalal
    5. Ghasiram
    6. Udayram
    7. Kamala
    8. 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 :-
    1. Dalchand : He painted a picture of Maharaja Abhay Singh while watching his dance.
    2. Veer Ji : He painted Ragamala for Vitthaldas Champawat, the feudal lord of Pali.
    3. Shivdas
    4. Shankardas
    5. Amardas
    6. Jeetmal
    7. 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 :-
      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, 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 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 :-
    1. 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.
    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
  • 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 :-
    1. Chand (He painted the picture of folk deity Pabuji)
    2. Taiyab
    3. Ramsingh
    4. Sahiba
    5. 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.
  • 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 : –
    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 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 :-
    1. 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 :
    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 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 :-
    1. Surjan
    2. Ahmed
    3. Sadhuram
    4. 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 :-
    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
  7. Wall painting was done more in palaces and havelis.
  8. Religious painting was done more in temples and monasteries. For example- Pichwai
  9. Female beauty was depicted more.
  10. Nature was depicted more.

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.
  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”.
    • His main painting is ‘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 :-
    • He painted pictures of freedom fighters.
    • He painted more pictures of rural culture.
    • Rajasthani influence is more visible in his paintings.
  9. 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”.

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