As the name suggests, these kind of paintings are comparatively smaller in sizes. Miniature paintings date back to 6th - 7th century in India however it flourished extensively during the Mughal rein. The second Mughal emperor Humayun, when in Tabriz in the Safavid court of Shah Tahmasp I, was exposed to Persian miniature painting. When he came back - he brought with him two accomplished persian miniature artists with him. Their works, and the assimilation of local styles during succeeding decades, gave shape to a distinct style, which became known as Mughal painting. During the 18th century, miniature paintings evolved and flourished in the royal courts of Rajputana, India, flowing from the style of Mughal painting - which we today know as the Rajasthan miniature paintings.
The colours extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells, and were even derived by processing precious stones. Gold and silver were used. The preparation of desired colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used were very fine.
Each Rajput kingdom in Rajasthan then evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and humans. Some of the art schools with distinctive styles today are at Amber (near present-day Jaipur), Bikaner, Marwar (Jodhpur), Mewar (Udaipur), Kishangarh, Pratabgarh, Kota, Bundi, Nathdwara, Kangra, Kulu, and Guler.
Well, so much for the background information about Rajasthan miniature, now to tell you about my discovery of it.
I saw a painting at Murali Valiachan's place, it gave me feeling of Mughal court and whatever I saw, I liked. (Enough to get a few clicks from my camera). On a closer look I could figure out as much that it is done on glass . As I have done glass painitngs before, I knew it wasn't the usual glass colours but I haven't done enough of using other mediums so I was at a loss!! It had some kind of glossy colours (which dint look like paint to me) . Meanwhile Valiachan informed that the painting is actually a fine art and made of precious stones. (I think thats what he told me - yes!) .
Well, this was enough for my curiosity to rise and "Hail internet" and "Hail google" I kept searching with different combinations of mughal, glass, precious stones (which now I know are gemstones - the painting in question above might very prossible have used crushed gemstones in the form of powder and dusted and glued at required places on glass) . One thing led to another and I ended up being introduced to Rajasthan miniatures and I got deeply fascinated by them. The jewellery to begin with fascinated me the most. And the thought of doing such detailed jewels on a miniature scale fascinated me further. And colours used so bright and bold, and the women so beautifully painted, with the right kind of expressions and the right .................. woooooooo!! Thats too much of fascination to digest, so I will bring you back to reality and give you a peek on my attempt of Rajasthan miniature.
Its around 10 x 17 cm done on black colour paper using watercolours. Took 4 days to finish.
Verdict : Dad says could have been better. Some of my fellows from a forum said the anatomy could be improved.
