The mural paintings of Ajanta (Maharashtra) belongs to the
1st century BC to 8th century AD. These frescoes are
associated with the life history of the Buddha and the
Jataka stories. The mural tradition of Ajanta were continued
in Badami of Chalukya (6th century), Panamalai of Pallava
(7th century), Sittannavasal of Pandya (9th century) and
Tanjore (Thanjavur) of Chola (10th-11th century).
Paintings of 12th and 16th Centuries
There were two distinct styles : (i) Centred in Western
India (Gujarat, Malwa and Rajasthan) mainly of Jain texts
which distorted the human figure, and (ii) Centred in
Eastern India mainly of Buddhist texts which preserved the
elegant classical tradition of Ajanta.
Mughal Paintings
Mughal painting was primarily executed as miniatures on a
full page. It reflected the personality of the successive
rulers. Its subject matter was drawn increasingly from
official life. It contained a very large and sweeping
illustrations of the epic Mamza Nama (1560-1574). Portraits
(portrait paintings) are its most significant contribution.
Rajput Paintings
The Rajput painting specialised in illustrating the Hindu
epic legends. It depicted the stories of Rama, Krishna
Bhagavata and Gita Govinda. Its approach was full of
affection and drew inspiration from the ancient art of
Ajanta, Bagh and Jain miniatures.
Paintings during British Rule
The European oil paintings took the place of traditional
Indian art. It was traditionalist in theme and nationalist
in inspiration. The government art schools at Kolkata,
Mumbai and Chennai taught Western style and technique.
Modern Paintings
The modern school of painting in India was pioneered by
Gaganendranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore and
Amrita Shergil. It integrated Indian traditions with Western
style. This school got impetus after independence. The
modern paintings is complex, thought-provoking and symbolic.
