The
Miniature Paintings of Rajsthan which had flourishedunder princely
patronage are still reproduced and descendants of the original craftsmen
continue to produce miniture masterpieces, retaining their classic
elegance . They are often made on hand made paper mathological the
ms from Ramayana, Krishna Lila, Ragamala, and Geetgovinda are commonly
used . In the paintaings , Vivdly rendred are hills valleys, gardens,
palaces, court scenes and relifious processions.
Popular are the Phad paintings which are predominotaly red and green
scrolls depicting the life of the local hero Pabuji. They are made
by the Joshis of Shahpur, near Bhilwara, and are now available in
smaller panels portrying single incidents or chracters from the
epics .
Pichwais are cloth paintings hung in temples. Made in Udaipurand
Nathdwara these paintings depicts lord Krishna, as Shrinathji diffrent
moods. They are done in dark rich hues and have deep religious connotations.
Alll over Rjsthan one can see brightly coloured Murals depiciting
folk processions and battles.
The Frescoes of Shekhawati are world renowned and the region is
popularly termed as an "Open Air Art Gallery", Today the
tourist can take home a piece of this art and decorate their walls
at home, for these traditional murals have been recreated in paper
and also in cloth
Miniature Art
The miniature tradition goes back at least to the 11th century.
Later the Mughal influence though their style was of Mughal court
style, yet the painters by the 17th century settled for traditional
idioms and regional elements. And the modern miniature painting
speaks of those age-old traditions of Rajasthan.
Phads & Pichwais
The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops
in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji
(attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival.
These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered
or decorated in applique form.
Folk Painting
Usually done for some specific occasions like marriage, birth ceremony
and other festivals. This tradition is found in villages and rural
areas practised by various tribes. They are very original, fresh
and done with raw-hand.
