Rajasthan Miniature Painting

I'll be visiting Jaipur shortly; can you please tell me where I can buy miniature painting and if possible please let me know more about them. I want to buy something which is very traditional and authentic representation of Rajasthani art. Thank you.

Hi Hardeep, Welcome to Rajasthan. Aren't you coming to Jodhpur?

Well, miniature paintings are today among the most sought after souvenirs from Rajasthan. All major centers of miniatures, namely Kishangarh, Udaipur, Jaipur and Marwar have their own styles of depicting religious and court scenes. Paintings of women is another theme, which Kishangarh has perfected as the Indian Mona Lisa.

Pichhwais of Nathdwara wholly depict the scenes of life of Lord Krishna. Phad is another style painted on long cloths using red colors, which mostly depict the entire life story of popular local legend Pabuji.

Look out for a reliable established store in the city for authentic miniature painting.

Miniature painting is the most visible and widely prevalent type of painting. Let me tell you more about Miniature paintings of Rajasthan as it will help you understand the art and the different schools of painting on the same. The colorful pictures are painted in glowing mineral and vegetable colors on hand-made papers.

The miniature painter did not lack patronage. Seven styles in different kingdoms developed rapidly (the technique was similar to wall paintings, cloth and manuscripts illustrations) used initially manuscripts for text illustrations, they gradually evolved as portfolios of the life and times of their Royal patrons. The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century.

Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court style, yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature painting speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.

What a beautiful painting...Thank you Meeraji for the informative post.

Even I had bought for myself and my friends a few miniature paintings during my trip to Jaipur last month. But reading the history behind the miniature paintings have made them more adorable. As you mention about the different styles in the paintings, can you please elaborate on the same. Thanks.

Hi Ishani, Miniature paintings are an adorable treasure from Rajasthan. They have been in records in Rajasthan for centuries and have very strong effect of the historical art and its related people. Yes, there are various schools of painting when it comes to Rajasthan miniature painting:

Jodhpur School of Painting: Paintings on hand made depicting love scenes are more popular then the other art figures. Real gold and stone colours are used.

Jaipur School of Painting: Gods and Goddesses, kings and durbars are very beautifully painted on hand made papers by the artists. Artists use real gold and stone colors.

Kangra School of Painting: Real gold, stone, and water colours are brushed on old handmade paper .squirrel-hair brushes are used. Glittering effect is extended using silver and golden colors.

Mughal School of Painting: - Love scenes and the Mughal durbar are depicted very beautifully on the silk using real gold and stone colors. This art today can be seen on the wooden background also.

Mewar School of Painting: These portray hunting scenes which are painted on cloth and handmade paper using stone colors.
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Naina