Unit – I (A) Rajasthani School of Miniature Painting / Features of Rajasthani School
Features of the Rajasthani School of Miniature Painting
1. The indigenous style of the Rajasthani painting shows primitive vigour, bold outlines and brilliant colours set in a harmonious pattern. Regional features in the depiction of facial types, local scenery and technical details can be found in different sub-schools.
2. In Rajasthani painting, the symbolic expression of multiple aesthetic sentiments of Indian life, its daily activities and sudden flashes of emotional thoughts are drawn in a unique style.
3. Compositions, which are represented through specific musical modes and religious themes with Radha and Krishna, are very clear and simple. They are profusely illustrated.
4. All figures are in same dimension and in complete disregard of perspective. Women figures are duplicated in same manner as symbol of all femininity with lotus eyes, flowing tresses, firm breasts, slender waists and rosy hands.
5. Paintings are two dimensional with simplification of lines and flat colour scheme. Colours have been used harmoniously and special meanings of individual colours i.e. red denote warm, emotion and fury, yellow the marvelous etc, the use of bright red, blue, yellow and green colour gives a contrasting brilliance. Gold and silver colours have been delicately used which add a special glamour to these paintings.
Sub-Schools
Mewar-
1. The largest number of paintings in this style is centered around Krishna Bhakti Cult. The customs prevailing at that period, village life, scenes from Rajput court marriage procession,songs and dances, inner life of the places and battle scenes have also been painted.
2. Bright and brilliant colours have been profusely used.
3. Male and female figures have long noses, oval shaped faces and elongated fish-like eyes. The males use loose fitting garments, embroidered patka and turbans. Females use loose long skirts, choli and transparent odhnis (veils). The female figures have been drawn relatively smaller than the male.
4. Trees are ornamental, flowers have been drawn in bunches, hills and mountains have been depicted in Persian style and waves in the water have been drawn in the basket pattern of Apabhransa style.
5. There has been little use of perspective. Total space in the painting has been divided by the use of colours in different steps.
Bundi-
1. In Bundi paintings, human figures resemble, but their expressions differ greatly.
2. Human faces are round and small; the shades near cheeks, eyes and nose add charm and emotion to the figures.
3. Landscapes of hills, thick jungles, rivers and lotus ponds and lakes with water birds have been painted beautifully.
4. The favourite themes of Bundi paintings are- Ragmala, Baramasa and Rasikpriya.
Jodhpur-
1. Female figures are tall tresses tied up high in a knot and have high forehead. The heads are smaller in comparison to the body. Eyes are stretched to the ear in the shape of wag-tail. Noses are sharp like the beak of parrot, waists are slim, breasts and buttock are heavy and legs are long. The moustache and side burns of the male are spectacular.
2. Jodhpur paintings are somewhat larger than other miniatures.
3. Female figures are somewhat shorter in comparison to males.
4. The pavilions are white and large. There are massed twisted clouds in the sky and a dense grove of trees in the background.
Kishangarh-
1. Subject matter of Kishangrh School is widely varied. Hunting scenes, portraits of kings,Nawabs, Emperors and Saints have been beautifully painted. The picture of romantic life of Radha and Krishna described in Geet- Govinda, stories from Bhagvat puran, scenes from Bihari Chandrika and Nayak- Nayika Bheda are the main subjects of Kishangrh paintings.
2. Female figures have been painted slim, flexible and tall like creepers; Faces are long with high and sloping foreheads. Pointed long nose, bulging out well-cut- lips, long chins, long drawn eyes curved upward in the shape of Kanjan pakshi and bow like eyebrows have been beautifully painted. Long neck, long fingers, a lock of hair hanging near the ear enhance their aesthetic beauty.
3. Primary colours have been applied. Horizon and the sky are replaced by creepers and foliages.
Bikaner-
1. Main themes of Bikaner paintings are based on Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna legends,Ragamala and other love scenes of Radha and Krishna.
2. In human figures, a little tight lips are painted, eyes are half open, chin small, wrists are very thin, chest in comparison to other Rajput style seems underdeveloped and moustaches of men, a little downward bent. Ghagras of the women are decorated with diagonal stripes.
3. Clouds are painted in special circular style. Hunting scenes have also been beautifully depicted.
Jaipur-
1. In the paintings of Jaipur, there is a grace in the use of colours and lines. There is the expression of emotion of different postures.
2. The faces of women are round, figures are in medium size, eyes are large and elongated with an upward curve. The figures have a robust body, round nose, and hair reaching up to the ear. The men wear loose pyjamas and turbans studded with diamonds. Ghagras of women are painted with dark colours. Jaipur paintings have ornamented border. Light and shade has been used properly.
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