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Kishangarh Miniature Paintings of Rajasthan
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The tradition of the miniature paintings in Rajasthan is very rich in its form, texture, colors and storytelling. The Kishangarh School of miniature Rajasthani Painting is one of the richest and popular forms.
Kishangarh is a picturesque place near Ajmer, and was established by Raja Kishan Singh, the ninth son of Raja Uday Singh, ruler of Jodhpur.
The Kishangarh Miniature Paintings gained popularity in the 18th century, at a time when miniature painting was losing ground elsewhere in Rajasthan. Its ruler Raja Sawant Singh (1748- 1757), under the Vaishnava influence and the Krishna cult, was a connoisseur of arts, music and poetry. He wrote under the pen name of Nagaridas. He did fall in love with a slave girl, who was equally smart, elegant and well behaved, apart from here talent in singing and poetry. Their romance was well captured in the
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world famous painting called ‘Bani Thani’. The artist was Nihal Chand.
The characteristic of the Kishangarh School is defined through the fine quality of brushwork and a distinctive portrayal of women. Radha is highly ornamented with three lines of white pearls and square emeralds. The figures are tall, slim and have a slender waist. The eyes are almond shaped and half closed to lend an enigmatic quality and they do cover a large part of the face. Radha is dressed in the Indian attire of Ghaghra Choli and a transparent veil on the head and with a flower in her hand. Krishna wears a turban with jewels and feather and is painted blue.
The Ragmala (garland of melodies) or Nayak-Nayaki Bheda (the words of hero and heroine) or Baramasa (the twelve months of the year) form the quintessential themes of the miniature painting. Also, various court scenes, hunting scenes, dancing scenes, music parties and festivals are depicted. Bani Thani, the couple is also seen in places as the temple or the garden. Colors like red, blue, yellow, green, ochre, saffron, purple and magenta form the palette.
The Kishangarh style of miniature painting today has retained its value and charm. Though the older paintings are merely replicated, the good news is that it is taught to everyone, beyond caste and creed.
Images sourced from Google Search Engine with the term "Kishangarh Miniature" |
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