From pre-historic times, people have been painting what they are passionate about—everyday lives of people, mysticism, and everything in between. Similarly, in India, paintings through the ages portray the lives of people, royalty and the gods. Hunting scenes, religious themes, lives in the royal courts, portraits of Mughal aristocrats—various ideas, from the secular to the religious, have been depicted.

Although the basic theme of the paintings might be similar, each region of the country depicts them in a style of its own, distinctly unique. Here’s an introduction to some of the more popular painting styles that have been developed in India.

Imprints from the Past

Before wall-mounted paintings with elaborate frames there were just impressions on the walls. Murals, as they are called, are evidence of some of the earliest paintings. Ancient cave or rock paintings have been found in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of Central India. Material like terra cotta, animal fat and chalk have been used to portray many themes.

Some of the best examples of murals and frescoes in the relatively recent past can be found in Ajanta, Ellora, Mirzapur, and Adamgarh quarry. The Ajanta and Ellora caves at Aurangabad are well known for its frescoes. Buddhist monks had employed artists to paint Buddha’s teachings, and life at the court during those times. At Bhimbetka and Adamgarh quarry, the life and times of people who lived there are shown in detail, from childbirth to hunting and the natural environment.

These images have stood the test of time so far. Go explore these wonders of art before its too late.

Small Wonders

Miniature painting developed in the western region of the country during the 16th to the 18th centuries. They might be small in size, but are highly intricate and detailed pieces of work.

These paintings were used to illustrate manuscripts written at that time and therefore were small in size. The art form was influenced by the Persian style and the Mughal emperors patronised it by commissioning paintings of court scenes that reflected their grandeur. The subjects of the Rajput paintings (Rajasthani and Pahari styles) were mostly Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Another chief theme of miniature painting was the melodic modes of Indian classical music (raga).

Colours used in miniatures were derived from various natural sources like minerals, vegetables, precious stones and even silver and gold, making this exquisite painting very exclusive.

A Father’s Gift

Madhubani literally means forest of honey. The Madhubani form of painting originated in the Mithila region of Bihar when King Janaka commissioned artists to develop them during the time of his daughter Sita’s wedding to Lord Ram.

Nature and mythological figures are the central themes of the paintings. There are barely any empty spaces on the canvas—symmetrical, floral, and animal motifs fill in the spaces between images. Only natural colours are used—yellow from turmeric, red from kusam flowers, white from rice powder, green from the leaves of the wood apple tree. Like most forms of art, the paintings are full of symbolism in the form of colours and images.

Pen Point

Kalamakari literally means work of a pen. This craft of painted and printed fabric originated in the villages of Andhra Pradesh. Outlines of the images are done using hand carved blocks or brushes and the finer details are filled in with a pen.

Vegetable dyes derived from bark, flowers and roots are used in combination with mineral pigments like aluminium, iron, copper, etc. The repetition of the colouring process makes certain that the final result is nothing short of stunning. Scenes from Hindu mythology are the main themes. No two panels are exactly alike, making each painting a unique treasure.

Bedazzled

From the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu, comes the ornate Tanjore painting. This art form was developed during Chola rule in the 9th century. The main subjects are Hindu gods and goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology.

These paintings are striking, elaborate, and full of colour. What makes these paintings even more exceptional are the embellishments. The figures in the painting are adorned with jewels and semi-precious stones and gold foil. Apart from the painting itself, a grand frame further enhances its appeal.

It is an ideal gift or souvenir, especially during festive season. This is without doubt a precious piece of art.

Exotic Art

Patachitra paintings originated in Orissa and mainly depict stories of Lord Jagannath, who is the presiding deity of the region and has a temple dedicated to him at Puri. Other mythological stories are also illustrated.

These vibrantly coloured paintings are done on cloth or tussar silk in the form of scrolls, and are coated with a special mixture to give the cloth a leathery texture.

Patachitra literally means painting on cloth (pata meaning cloth and chitra meaning picture). The process of preparing the canvas itself is quite laborious and requires a skilled hand. Intricate paintings can take as long as a month to finish. Colours from natural sources such as plants, fruits, ground rocks and even urine of animals are used to derive the various hues and shades used in the paintings.

Etc. etc. etc…

With a country so vast and culturally diverse as India it is but natural that there would emerge as many, if not more, art forms. There are numerous other forms of paintings on various materials that can be found—tribal art, Phad paintings, Mysore paintings, Lepakshi paintings and of course the more recent contemporary Indian paintings, just to name a few. Although most of these paintings have been influenced by outside sources and have evolved over time, they have still fundamentally retained their ethnicity and antiquity.

Next time you travel to any part of the country, make sure to be on the look out for such treasures. They would not only enhance your experience but also your living spaces with their presence.