| Rajasthani Miniature Paintings | | | | use of colors made from minerals, vegetables, conch |
| The elegant Rajasthani Miniature Paintings are well | | | | shells, precious stones, indigo, pure gold and silver. |
| known far and wide. This art form dates back to the | | | | Much of the artisan's time was spent in making that |
| 6th - 7th century when Kashmiri paintings also | | | | perfect color that could give an aesthetic value to |
| became popular. The connoisseurs love to see these | | | | the magnum opuses. |
| small paintings in sparking colors obtained from | | | | The thematic extravaganza of these paintings draw |
| vegetables. The canvass of a these paintings were | | | | inspiration from evered epics of India like Ramayana, |
| beautiful riot of colors with varied themes. Miniature | | | | Mahabharata, Bhagvata Purana, Rasikpriya, |
| paintings are remarkable for the intricate work and | | | | Rasamanjiri as well as ragas of Indian classical music. |
| dexterity involved while making them. | | | | Also worth mentioning are the texts and doctrines of |
| History: They are called miniature because they are | | | | Jains, Buddhists, Rajput and Mughals that are all |
| comparatively smaller yet beautiful. During 11th and | | | | replete with these beautiful paintings. the scenes of |
| 12th century the tradition of Miniature paintings | | | | courts, hunting episodes, flowers and animals like |
| flourished. Such paintings were used by people to | | | | elephants and horses are another important features. |
| make manuscripts in those times. These manuscripts | | | | Different Schools of Miniature Paintings |
| were helpful in storing knowledge on palm leaves. In | | | | Rajasthan is the main center of this art and even |
| the later centuries Mughals patronized these arts | | | | today regions of Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mughal, Kangra and |
| greatly. The stunning miniature paintings were inspired | | | | Mewar nurture the art schools of miniature paintings. |
| from epics and folk themes. | | | | The two important school of the art are the Mughal |
| Different cultures influenced the art of paintings and | | | | School and Rajput School. While Mughal school is |
| so it is an amalgamation of varied cultures. Adapted | | | | marked by moderate and muted colors to give |
| many a times, the art has been greatly appreciated | | | | depth, the Rajput have expertise in using exotic |
| by its patrons. A great impetus had been the | | | | vibrant shades to make it more gaudy an flashy. |
| Mughals, Rajputs boosted by manuscripts of Jains | | | | The reign of Jehangir made this art more and more |
| and Buddhists. Monarchs of mighty Mughals and royal | | | | popular with increasing degree of intricacy and grace. |
| Rajputs highly encouraged this art. | | | | The Rajput school of art use Krishna Legends theme. |
| Different Themes of Miniature Paintings : They are a | | | | Radha Krishna, Dhola Maru on a camel's back are the |
| personification of themes, plots and motifs. These | | | | prominent themes of the Rajput School. |
| paintings are marked with gentle strokes of brush, | | | | |