Mughal Miniature Paintings

Mughal painting is a particular style of South Asian painting which emerged from Persian miniature painting, with Indian Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences, and developed during the period of the Mughal Empire (16th -19th centuries).

History: When the second Mughal emperor, Humayun (reigned 1530–1540 and 1555-1556) was in Tabriz in the Safavid court of Shah Tahmasp I, he was exposed to Persian miniature painting. When Humayun returned to India, he brought with him two accomplished Persian artists, Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad. Their works, and the assimilation of local styles during succeeding decades, gave shape to a distinct style, which became known as Mughal painting.

Themes: Mughal painting was rich in variety and included portraits, events and scenes from court life, wild life and hunting scenes, and illustrations of battles.

Medium: Stone Colors on Handmade Paper & English paper.

Rajput & Rajputana Miniature Paintings

Rajput paintings evolved and flourished during the 18th century in the royal courts of Rajputana (Rajasthan), India.
Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features like strong color emphasized along with the highlighted Mughal cross fertilization.
Rajput paintings depicted the rich cultured tradition of Rajputana (Rajasthan) kingdoms.

Theme:
Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana , Radha Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and portraits. Paintings were mainly inspired by Bhakti, emotion of love, and the perspective of women.

Known Schools:
Mewar School,Kota School, Kishangarh School, Devgarh School, Datia School, Awadh School, Bondi School, Jaipur School, Malwa School, Bikaner School, Deccan School, Jodhpur School, Golkunda School and many more.

Medium:
The colours extracted from minerals, plant sources, conch shells, precious stones, gold and silver were used. Handmade brushes made of Squirel hair were used to make beautiful paintngs.

About "Indian Miniature Paintings"

Indian Miniature Paintings are elaborated, colorful handmade illuminations, executed carefully with delicate brushwork. Each brush stroke illustrates lyrical quality that enamors the mind and the soul. Themes are unique compositions of Indian culture, battles, loves scenes etc... The colors used in the miniatures were derived from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. Some of the noted miniature schools are Mughals, Rajputs, Pahari, Deccan, Bengal, Malwa, Jaipur, Mysore, Kangra and many more.