by Asian Art Museum

Painting is an excellent way to express emotions through the use of color and brush. Indian paintings have a rich history, dating back to prehistoric times when they were found on the walls of rock-cut caves. Archaeological evidence reveals the following examples of historical Indian painting:

1. Indian Mural painting: • The cave paintings at Bhimbekta rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh) are considered the oldest Indian paintings. They depict animals and humans in various postures, including hunting scenes. Some of these shelters are believed to be 100,000 years old. • The cave paintings of Ajanta (2nd century BCE) and Ellora (5th to 10th century) represent a more evolved form of Bhimbekta’s art and illustrate themes from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain scriptures. • Other notable cave paintings include those at Mahadeo mountains in Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh), Bagh Caves in Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), and sites in South India, such as Armamalai (Tamil Nadu) and Badami (Karnataka). • The painted halls described in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Vinayapithak indicate the origin of mural paintings.
2. Indian Miniature painting: • Miniature paintings were created for books or albums on perishable materials like paper and cloth. • The paintings from the time of Pala kings of Bengal (9th to 15th century) were made on palm leaves and manuscript covers and are considered the earliest examples of Indian miniature paintings. • Miniature painting for Hindu and Jain manuscripts were created between the 10th and 12th centuries in West India, using palm leaves and paper. • The art flourished during the Mughal period and was carried forward by Rajasthani schools of painting, including Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Mewar, and Marwar, as well as Ragamala paintings.
3. Other styles of Indian Paintings: • Orissa pattachitra painting on cloth emerged for the worship of Lord Jagannatha during the absence of wooden images in the temple. This art was influenced by Jayadev’s ‘Gita Govinda,’ the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. • Madhubani painting, which originated as mural painting, transitioned to cloth and paper using natural colors, still focusing on Hindu mythology, social events, and landscapes. • Mysore and Tanjore paintings from South India showcase traditional Indian painting styles. • Bengal School of Art portrays the modern influence during the 20th century British rule, with Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose being prominent painters. • Modern painting in post-liberalization India is influenced by Western, progressive, and diverse ideas.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME