As the name suggests, miniature paintings are small-sized, colourful intricate paintings created with delicate brushwork. The colours that are used are extracted from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. The paintings are made on hand-made paper (new or old), silk cloth, marble and wood. The initial sketch is drawn with burnt wood; then, brushes made of hair taken from sheep’s ears and tails of squirrels are used to paint. Miniature paintings depict scenes from Mughal and Rajput royal life, themes from Indian mythology, animals and birds, music etc.
The history of Indian miniature painting can be traced back to more than a thousand years when it developed as a temple art. But later in the 16th century, it developed as a courtly art under the patronage of Mughal and Rajput kings. Emperor Humayun first introduced the Iranian style of miniature painting to India. This style reached its zenith as Mughal miniature during the rule of Akbar. These paintings were narrative and lyrical in style and were painted with bright colours like yellow, green, red and blue. Later the Iranian style blended with the Indian style to create a world-famous style of miniature painting.
There are many other styles of miniature painting like the Kangra miniature. Kangra miniatures belong to the school of Pahari paintings or painting from the hills. This form of painting developed between the 17th and 19th centuries in India, under the patronage of the Rajput rulers. Painted with fresh colours extracted from minerals and vegetables, these paintings depict lush green landscapes, springs and the legendary love of Radha and Krishna.
Miniature paintings speak of royalty, grandeur, love and delicate art and are a collector’s delight! |
