Origin and evolution of Indian Painting

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Origin and evolution of Indian Painting

Posted On : Nov-14-2011 | seen (258) times | Article Word Count : 628 |

The origin of Indian paintings can be traced back to pre-historic period. From the walls of rock-cut caves to cover of manuscripts, this art is now being created on paper, clothes and other items portraying plenty of mesmerizing themes.

Painting is a superb mode to express the feelings of heart by the means of color and brush. As far as Indian paintings concern, its origin can be traced back to even pre-historic era, when it was portrayed on the walls of rock-cut caves. According to archeological evidences, following are the examples of ancient Indian painting.

1. Indian Mural painting:
•The cave painting of Bhimbekta rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh) are considered the most ancient Indian paintings. These paintings show the animal and human figures in diverse postures including hunting scenes. The Bhimbetka literally signifies the "sitting place of Bhima", a great warrior of Mahabharata. But, as per research, some of these shelters are 1 lakh years old.
•The cave paintings of Ajanta (2nd century BCE )and Ellora (5th to 10th century) represent the altered form of Bhimbekta and reflect the themes of Hindu, Buddha and Jain scriptures.
•Mahadeo hills painting of Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh) was created during 500-800 AD period and depicts the animal and human feature in several gestures. Bagh Caves paintings of Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) are created on the walls and ceilings of viharas.
•Due to patronage extended by Satavahana, the period between 4th to 6th centuries is known as golden period of Indian panting. South Indian Pallava and Chola reign also encouraged Indian Painting in sync with sculpture.
•Cave paintings of Armamalai (Tamil Nadu), Badami (Karnataka), Elephanta (Maharashtra), Bengra (Chhattisgarh), Kanheri (Maharashtra), Karsamble (Maharashtra) and countless other caves are also popular.
•The painted halls are described in Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vinayapithak indicating the origin of mural paintings. Madhubani painting was also emerged in form of wall painting, when as per the order of Mithila king Janka, the women adorned their homes with wall paintings during the wedding of Lord Rama and Sita. Mudraskshaka, Vishnudharmottara also describe the tenets of Indian painting.

2. Indian Miniature painting:
•Miniature paintings are made for books or albums on a perishable material like paper and cloth.
•The paintings during the period of Pala kings of Bengal (9th to 15th century) have been created on palm leaves and covers of manuscripts. These are considered earliest examples of Indian miniature paintings.
•Buddha leaf-miniature paintings of 10th century have been found. But, this style extincted in 12th century.
•Miniature painting for the Hindu and Jaina manuscripts were created between 10th to 12th centuries in West India. These paintings were created on “Taadpatra” (palm leaf) and Paper.
•The art flourished during Mughal period and was carried forward by Rajasthani schools of painting such as Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Mewar and Marwar. It also includes Ragamala paintings.

3. Other styles of Indian Paintings:
•Orissa pattachitra painting on cloth was emerged for the worship of Lord Jagannatha during the absence of wooden images in the temple. This art was influenced by the 'Gita Govinda' of Jayadev, Ramayana and Mahabharata.
•Madhubani painting, which originated as mural painting, started on the cloth as well as paper with natural colors. It still revolves around Hindu mythology plus scenes of social events and landscapes.
•Mysore painting and Tanjore painting of South India depict the classical style of Indian paintings.
•Bengal School of Art portrays the modern influence during the 20th century British rule. Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose are the popular painters of this art.
•Modern painting of post-liberalization is influenced by the western, progressive and other ideas.

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<h1>Origin and evolution of Indian Painting</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Satyajit Banerjee.aspx'>Satyajit Banerjee</a> Painting is a superb mode to express the feelings of heart by the means of color and brush. As far as Indian paintings concern, its origin can be traced back to even pre-historic era, when it was portrayed on the walls of rock-cut caves. According to archeological evidences, following are the examples of ancient Indian painting.

1. Indian Mural painting:
•The cave painting of Bhimbekta rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh) are considered the most ancient Indian paintings. These paintings show the animal and human figures in diverse postures including hunting scenes. The Bhimbetka literally signifies the "sitting place of Bhima", a great warrior of Mahabharata. But, as per research, some of these shelters are 1 lakh years old.
•The cave paintings of Ajanta (2nd century BCE )and Ellora (5th to 10th century) represent the altered form of Bhimbekta and reflect the themes of Hindu, Buddha and Jain scriptures.
•Mahadeo hills painting of Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh) was created during 500-800 AD period and depicts the animal and human feature in several gestures. Bagh Caves paintings of Dhar (Madhya Pradesh) are created on the walls and ceilings of viharas. 
•Due to patronage extended by Satavahana, the period between 4th to 6th centuries is known as golden period of Indian panting. South Indian Pallava and Chola reign also encouraged Indian Painting in sync with sculpture.
•Cave paintings of Armamalai (Tamil Nadu), Badami (Karnataka), Elephanta (Maharashtra), Bengra (Chhattisgarh), Kanheri (Maharashtra), Karsamble (Maharashtra) and countless other caves are also popular. 
•The painted halls are described in Ramayana, Mahabharata and Vinayapithak indicating the origin of mural paintings. Madhubani painting was also emerged in form of wall painting, when as per the order of Mithila king Janka, the women adorned their homes with wall paintings during the wedding of Lord Rama and Sita. Mudraskshaka, Vishnudharmottara also describe the tenets of Indian painting.

2. Indian Miniature painting:
•Miniature paintings are made for books or albums on a perishable material like paper and cloth.
•The paintings during the period of Pala kings of Bengal (9th to 15th century) have been created on palm leaves and covers of manuscripts. These are considered earliest examples of Indian miniature paintings. 
•Buddha leaf-miniature paintings of 10th century have been found. But, this style extincted in 12th century.
•Miniature painting for the Hindu and Jaina manuscripts were created between 10th to 12th centuries in West India. These paintings were created on “Taadpatra” (palm leaf) and Paper. 
•The art flourished during Mughal period and was carried forward by Rajasthani schools of painting such as Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Mewar and Marwar. It also includes Ragamala paintings.

3. Other styles of Indian Paintings:
•Orissa pattachitra painting on cloth was emerged for the worship of Lord Jagannatha during the absence of wooden images in the temple. This art was influenced by the 'Gita Govinda' of Jayadev, Ramayana and Mahabharata. 
•Madhubani painting, which originated as mural painting, started on the cloth as well as paper with natural colors. It still revolves around Hindu mythology plus scenes of social events and landscapes. 
•Mysore painting and Tanjore painting of South India depict the classical style of Indian paintings. 
•Bengal School of Art portrays the modern influence during the 20th century British rule. Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose are the popular painters of this art. 
•Modern painting of post-liberalization is influenced by the western, progressive and other ideas.

###
Craffts.com is an e-commerce portal with exotic and wide range of Indian handicrafts and handmade products. Portal deals in Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Apparels, Accessories, Necklace sets, Bangles, Pendants, Paintings, Wood Art, Decorative, Bed sheets, Table Décor, Furnishing, organic products, herbal products and much more. We cater our products and services to the global masses.About the Author: Satyajit Banerjee is an expert writer in handicraft space and writes for Craffts.com, an eCommerce portal for handcrafted and hand-made products. It offers wide range of products across various categories ranging from Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Women Apparels, Accessories, Necklaces, Home Décor, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.craffts.com/decor/paintings.html">Indian Painting</a> & Furnishing products and much more. Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Origin-and-evolution-of-Indian-Painting_104273.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Origin and evolution of Indian Painting_104273.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Origin and evolution of Indian Painting_104273.aspx

Author Resource :
Satyajit Banerjee is an expert writer in handicraft space and writes for Craffts.com, an eCommerce portal for handcrafted and hand-made products. It offers wide range of products across various categories ranging from Fashion Jewellery, Hand-made Bags, Women Apparels, Accessories, Necklaces, Home Décor, Indian Painting & Furnishing products and much more.

Keywords : Indian Painting, Handmade Painting, Mural painting, Miniature painting,

Category : Arts and Entertainment : Arts and Entertainment

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