2016-12-21 Wed

The Indian Art is rich within itself. The specimens are seen from the early prehistoric cave paintings of Bhibetka to the modern abstract arts and the saga still continues. In 17th and 18th century various different styles of Paintings were prevalent in India like Madhubani Painting, Kalamkari Art, Pattachitra, Kalighat Paintings, Miniature Paintings etc.

Today we will be glimpsing into the Miniature Paintings. The Rajput and Mughal rulers were the patronage of this art. Miniature paintings require a high degree of expertise and complete dedication on the part of the artist. Very thin brushes are used, with which intricate, colorful and rational impressions are drawn on the medium of painting.

Rajasthan was the main province which developed the various School of Arts. Few famous ones are Mewar, Marwar, Hadoti and Dhundar School.

One of the outstanding Miniature paintings of the Kishangarh (from Marwar School) is the portrayal of Bani Thani which means smart and well-dressed. It is said that the painting portrays a singer and poet during the reign of King Savant Singh (1748–1764). She is referred as ‘India’s Mona Lisa’. It has jewel-like colours in it. She is depicting the grace and beauty of Indian women in typical Rajasthani attire wearing Gagra-odhna by taking a half ghunghat.

India issued a commemorative stamp in 1973 honoring this beautiful Kishangarh painting having a face value of 20 paise.

Isn’t this an outstanding piece of Art!