A FRESH CANVAS FOR MEWAR ART

Source: The post is based on the article “A FRESH CANVAS FOR MEWAR ART” published in Mint on 23^rd September 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1 – Art and Culture – Indian Paintings

Relevance: About Mewar Miniature Paintings

News: The article explains the Mewar school of miniature painting.

What is Mewari miniature painting?

The Mewar school of miniature painting, renowned for vibrant colors and intricate narratives within a single frame, flourished from the 17th to the 18th century.

It originated from south-central Rajasthan, parts of Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Rajasthan also hosts other miniature painting schools, such as Marwar-Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Deogarh, and sub-Himalayan kingdoms like Chamba and Kangra. Each of these Indian miniature art schools had its distinct style.

What are some of the famous miniature paintings of Mewar?

The earliest dated manuscript associated with the Mewar school of Rajput painting is the Chawand Ragamala series (1605), painted by the artist Nasiruddin.

Another Mewari painting “A Royal Hunting Party” (1705-15) reflects Mughal imperial painting influence in its composition and scene depiction. It features distinct elements of Mewari painting from that era, such as proportions of figures, vibrant colors, and stylized, less naturalistic perspective.

These paintings provide historical insights, including details like sword storage, turban styles, and the occasions celebrated during the depicted times.

Mewari miniature painting styles evolved to changing patron demands and artistic trends. For example, Sahibdin’s work was highly creative and included a wide range of subjects, such as the Ragamala and Rasikpriya series, as well as epics like the Ramayana.

However, in the 18th century, political changes led regional kingdoms sought alliances, which led to the creation of court scenes that depicted the king and the people around him.

Who were the famous artists of Mewari school of painting?

Allah Baksh: Allah Baksh, a notable Mewari painter during Maharana Jai Singh’s reign (1653-98), is renowned for creating comprehensive depictions of the entire Mahabharata and including every shloka of the Gita.

He distinguished between the Mahabharata and Gita paintings: the Mahabharata scenes are horizontal, portraying the narrative’s progression, while the Gita depictions are vertical and convey a sense of upward thrust.

In the Mahabharata series, line drawings are found beneath most paintings, while the Gita depictions meticulously consider the chariot’s placement and its connection to everyday elements.

His Gita paintings show that the epic is not just about war but also about what is lost in war, including gardens, fountains, trees, and birds.

Sahibdin: In the later half of the seventeenth century, during the reigns of Raj Singh and Jai Singh, portraiture gained prominence in Mewar. Sahibdin, renowned for portraiture, created notable works like the Rasikpriya series (1630), Gita Govinda (1628), and Ramayana (1649-53).

These portraits were characterized by a limited color palette, minimal backgrounds, and the use of stippled greys for highlighting and shading.

What was the unique feature of Mewari paintings artists?

Mewari miniature painters rarely signed their works, similar to European artists who didn’t sign until the Renaissance. In Mewar painting, only a few names, like Nasiruddin, Manohar, Allah Bakhsh, and Mansur, have surfaced.

What lies ahead?

The distinctive style of Mewari painting has garnered global recognition, with people around the world appreciating these works, some of which are even being auctioned.