Traditional Indian Painting

Traditional Indian painting is as old and varied as the land itself. Indians knew the art of painting since prehistoric times. The earliest paintings in India can be found on the walls of Bhimbetka caves in Madhya Pradesh. Painted geometric designs and symbols have also been found on pottery items belonging to the Indus valley civilization. The high point of painting in the ancient period can be seen in the frescoes from Ajanta, which depicts the life and

style of that period realistically. The medieval period is remembered for the Persian styled miniature paintings introduced by the Mughals. Not only were Mughal miniatures great masterpieces, they also influenced local miniature schools in Rajasthan, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

From the cave paintings of Bhimbetka to the contemporary artists lavishing abstract art in lines and colors, Indian painting is a legacy in itself. Styles, themes, techniques and materials of painting vary with time and place. From ancient etching on cave walls to the wall paintings of rural India, from palm leaf painting to cloth painting, from intricate Miniatures to monochoramtic Warli paintings - the variety of India paintings is almost endless. Themes too range from religious to secular, portraying the various facets of Indian society, its beliefs, myths, religions, culture and evolution.