Miniature painting of South India
Miniature painting of South India is well known for their rich cultural depth, detailed details, and vivid colors.
Showcasing deities, royal figures, and scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, these paintings, which have their roots in the rich traditions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, frequently depict religious and mythological themes.
Miniature painting of South India. Natural pigments are used to produce a vibrant palette, and careful brushwork highlights the fine details found in elaborate backgrounds, textiles, and jewelry. These paintings are distinguished by their painstaking attention to detail and harmonious compositions.
Miniature painting of South India. They are usually made on small surfaces, such as palm leaves, ivory, or paper. The depictions of palaces and temples show the influence of Dravidian architecture. The paintings frequently feature natural elements as well, such as lush landscapes,
Miniature painting of South India. The practice of miniature painting was first in South India, and it developed in the early mediaeval period. South Indian painting differed from North Indian styles due to the large amount of gold used in these paintings.
Instead of depicting their teacher rulers, he focused more on proper sizing of divine beings.
Some of the main genres of miniature painting of South India
Tanjore painting was famous for gold plating
Tanjore style is famous for specific types of figurative paintings. The Maratha rulers gave it immense patronage in the 18th century. In North India, mainly cloth and parchment are used for painting. These are mostly made on glass and wooden frames called palagi (palagi Padam).
Miniature painting of South India. They are unique because of their exquisite color patterns and liberal use of gold leaf. It has been recognized as a geographical indication (GI) by the Government of India. Many types of gems and cut glass have been used.
This painting reached its peak under the patronage of Maharaja sarfoji of the Maratha dynasty, who was a great patron of the arts. Presently this style has started using different subjects like birds, animals and building etc.
Mysore Painting
These paintings were patronized by the rulers of Mysore state and continued till the British period. Mysore painting’s major theme is to depict Hindu gods and goddesses. Every painting had two or more figures, and one figure predominated over all the others in terms of shape and color.
Miniature painting of South India. The technique paintings of were also different from North Indian styles
In these, ‘Gesso paste’ is used, which is a mixture of white lead powder, gumbos and glue.
It provides a specific base to the painting which creates a glow in the background.
To Counterbalance, light colors with less brightness are used.
Both Tanjore and Mysore paintings originated from the same sources. First Vijayanagar painting started, followed by Nayak painting.
Ganjifa card
Ganjifa is a mediaeval card game. Miniature painting of South India. These cards were traditionally painted by the artisans and were very popular in the Mughal court. The cards have a colored background, with each suit being a different color.
Reference to ganjifa cards can even be found in the book Babur Nama. Ganjifa cards or paintings of Mysore received G.I. status from the Government of India in 2008.
Modern Indian paintings.
Company Painting (Kamban Kalam Painting)
During the colonial period, a hybrid style of painting developed that combined Rajput, Mughal and other Indian styles of painting with European elements. This painting developed when British company officials employed painters trained in styles.
Miniature painting of South India
in Indian art and culture, He incorporated the European interests of his employers with his Indian training in what was called ‘company painting’. Their specialty was the use of watercolors and in terms of techniques, linear perspective and the presence of shadow effects.
Miniature painting of South India. This style of painting originated in Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi but Thanjavur Marcus Wellesley patronized a large number of painters. Many painters were involved in depreciating the extraordinary flora and fauna of India. The most famous of these, General Ali Khan, and globally was gone.
Many painters were engaged in depicting the extraordinary flora and fauna of India. The most famous of this style were Ali Khan and Ghulam Ali Khan.
Market Painting
This style was also influenced by European influence in India. This company was different from paintings, the market style did not accept any Indian influence.
Roman and Greek influence:
He got painters to create replicas of Greek and Roman statues. This style was prevalent in Bengal and Bihar region. Along with the Greco-Roman heritage, everyday markets were created that reflected Indian markets with a European background.
The most famous styles were those depicting Indian heroines dancing before British officers.
Paintings of religious subjects were also prohibited, but depictions of Indian gods and goddesses who assumed many forms and had elephant faces, such as lord Ganesha, were prohibited. His figure was a departure from the European nation of the natural human figure.
King Ravi Verma (1848-1906)
One of the greatest painters of India, he was considered the originator of the modern painting style.
This style was called modern due to the heavy influence of western techniques and subject matter. Elements of the South Indian painting was combined with western styles of color and style.
He belonged to the state of Kerala and is known as the ‘Father of Modern Indian Art’. Some of his most famous works include Ladies in the Moonlight, Shakuntala, Damayanti and swan etc.
Painting style of Bengal
The idea Bangla style developed from the works of Rabindranath Tagore (first half of the 20th century). His Arabian nights made a mark at this level and presented something new by breaking away from the previous styles of Miniature painting of South India.
He tried to incorporate indigenous values in the art of India and to reduce the feeling of western materialistic arts style among artists. He is known for his paintings of Bharat Mata and various Mughal themes.
Nandlal Bose
The painter in this style is Nandalal Bose, whose works contributed to the future development of modern Indian art. He is also known for his sketches of Gandhiji, Dandi March which became Iconic in the 1930s.He was also tasked with embellishing the original documents of the Constitution of India.
A Rabindranath Tagore
One of the most famous painters of this style is Rabindranath Tagore. He used black lines prominently which brought out the subject matter prominently. He made small size paintings. His paintings can be associated with his writings. Other famous painters of Bengal include Asit Kumar, Haldar, Muku de, Sunayani Devi etc.
Cubist style of painting in India
The Cubist movement of painting drew inspiration from the European Cubist movement. Under this style, objects were first divided, analyzed and then combined. The painter created this process on canvas using abstract art Motifs. Tried to achieve the perfect balance between lines and color.
The Cubist school of painting is one of the most famous cubist painters of India, M.F Hussain. In his paintings he frequently used the horse motif as it was best suited to portray the fluidity of movement.
Progressive Artists Group
Afte 1947, a group of painters presented art to the world using progressive and adventurous themes. He combined these themes with softer and more abstract themes. They lacked uniformity among themselves but were inspired by European modernism. The group was formed by six founding members namely- F.M. Hussain, K.H. Araa, H.A. Gade and S.k. vakre.
conclusion
in Indian art and culture to sum up, Miniature painting of South India, bear witness to the artistic legacy and rich cultural diversity of the region. These pieces of art capture the rich customs and intense religious devotion of Miniature painting of South India, with their vivid colors, minute details, and thought-provoking themes.
They offer insights into the lives, ideologies, and settings of their creators in addition to preserving the aesthetics of the past. The painstaking attention to detail that goes into each piece demonstrates the commitment and talent of the artists, who frequently produced works of astounding precision and beauty on a small scale.
The essence of South Indian life and spirituality is captured in these paintings, which feature scenes of natural landscapes, royal courts, and divine figures. They are still honored today for their historical significance and superior artistic quality, serving