Rajput painting
Photograph by MagicToDooron Flickr.
The preparation of desired painting colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used Rajput painting were very fine. In the last decades of the 16th Century Rajput art schools began to develop distinctive styles combining indigenous as well as foreign influences (Persian, Mughal, Acrylic painting techniques Chinese, European) into unique styles.
Rajput painting, also known as Rajasthani Painting is a style of Indian painting, evolved and flourished Rajput painting during the 18th century in the royal courts of Rajputana, India, flowing from the style of Mughal painting, itself derived from the Persian miniature. Miniatures in manuscripts or single sheets to be kept in albums were the preferred medium of Rajput painting, but many paintings were done on the walls Rajput painting of palaces, inner chambers of the forts, havelis, particularly, the havelis of Shekhawati, the forts and palaces built by Shekhawat Rajputs. The colours extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells, and were even derived by processing precious stones.
Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and humans.
