Miniature paintings are made on a very small scale especially for books or albums. One of the outstanding features of these paintings is the intricate brushwork which contributes to their unique identity. The colors used in the paintings are derived from various natural sources like vegetables, indigo, precious stones, gold and silver.
Schools of Miniature Paintings
Beginning from the Pala style of miniature paintings, several schools of miniature paintings evolved in India over the course of several centuries.
Some of the important schools of miniature paintings are:
- The Pala School
The earliest examples of miniature painting in India exist in the form of illustrations to the religious texts on Buddhism executed under the Palas of the eastern India.
Images of Buddha and other deities were portrayed on palm leaves and were often displayed in Buddhist monasteries, such as Nalanda and Vikramasila. These paintings include the skillful and graceful usage of lines, and usage of natural colors. - Western Indian School
The Western Indian style of painting prevailed in the region comprising Gujarat, Rajasthan and Malwa. The themes around these paintings were Jainism.
This style included an exaggeration of certain physical traits and flat figures with angularity of features. Initially, palm-leaf and later on paper was introduced for the illustrated manuscripts. - Mughal School
The amalgamation of Indian paintings and Persian miniature paintings gave rise to the Mughal School of miniature painting. The Mughal style of painting flourished from 16th to 18th centuries, especially under the reign of Akbar.
Scenes from the royal court, hunting expeditions, wild life and battles were often displayed through these paintings. Plants and trees were portrayed realistically and the paintings had rich frames that were decorated heavily. - Rajasthani School
The art of painting in Central India, Rajasthani and the Pahari region etc. is deeply rooted in the Indian traditions, taking inspiration from Indian epics, religious texts like the Puranas, love poems in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, Indian folk-lore and works on musical themes.
Rajasthani School of painting can be further divided into various schools such as the Mewar School, Marwar School, Hadoti School, Dhundar School, Kangra and Kullu Schools of art. - Pahari School
Influenced by the Mughal School and the Rajasthani School of miniature paintings, the Pahari style of paintings flourished in the Jammu and Garhwal regions from 17th to 19th centuries.
The Pahari School of paintings gave rise to various other schools such as Guler School, Basohli School, Garhwal School, Chamba School and Kangra School. The portrayal of gods and goddesses is one of the most common features among these schools. The scenic beauty of the Himalayas was also often depicted in these paintings. - Deccan school
The Deccan School of miniature painting flourished in places like Ahmednagar, Golconda, Tanjore, Hyderabad and Bijapur from 16th to 19th century A.D. The Deccan School of miniature painting was largely influenced by the rich traditions of the Deccan and the religious beliefs of Turkey, Persia and Iran.
Symmetrical arrangement played a prominent role in the Deccan School of miniature painting. The artists often portrayed geometrically accurate buildings and other man made wonders. These paintings also display the usage of various strokes and depth, creating multi-dimensional effect.
The tradition of miniature paintings which started during the Pala period reached its zenith in Mughal period and was further taken forward by the artists of various Rajasthani and other regional schools of painting.
