Paintings from India

Paintings in India
The styles and varieties of paintings from India are as diverse as the nation itself. The following list includes Ajanta Ellora paintings, Bagh paintings, Madhubani paintings, Mughal paintings, Miniature paintings, Mysore paintings, Rock paintings, Pahari paintings, miniatures paintings and cave paintings. They are culled from different time periods and we hope that studying them will provide the viewer an appreciation of the history of art in India.
Cave Paintings in India: Cave paintings of India date back to the prehistoric times. The finest examples of these paintings comprise of the murals of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Sittanavasal, etc that reflect naturalism. Cave paintings serve as a window to our ancestors who inhabited caves in prehistoric times.
Rock Paintings of Bhimbetaka: These rock paintings mirror the difficulties and triumphs of the native man. The Bhimabetaka hillocks are made of sandstone. They are elevated from the valley and are ideal for human habitat. Bhimabetaka remains a great witness to the evolution of civilization, through its numerous rock weapons, tools, ceramics, and bones. The rock paintings are the greatest wealth the natives of Bhimabetaka left behind.
Sittanavasal Paintings: Sittanavasal is the site of an ancient Jain monastery situated at a distance of 58 Km from Trichy. The monastery is known for exquisite frescoes in the rock cave. These cave paintings are based on the Pandyan period of the 9th century. The themes of these paintings include animals, fish, ducks, people collecting lotuses from a pond, two dancing figures, etc. There are inscriptions dating back to 9th and 10th century. The ceiling of the Ardhamandapam is adorned with murals from the 7th century.
Ajanta Paintings: The Ajanta Caves have most of the paintings from the period of the Buddhism. Ajanta caves are situated 100 km from Aurangabad. The themes of Ajanta Paitings revolve around the life and teachings of Lord Buddha.
Ellora Paintings: Ellora caves are situated amidst Chamadari Hills, 18 miles to the northeast of Aurangabad. The rock paintings of Ellora were painted in two different series. The first series revolve around Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The second series painted centuries later illustrate procession of Shiva holy men, Apsaras, etc. These paintings were found in five caves that are reserved in the Kailasha temple at present.
Wall Paintings: The wall paintings are found in Bagh caves which are located on the banks of the Bagh River. These caves were excavated on the rock face of a lofty hill. The wall paintings of these caves date back to 5th and 7th century. These paintings represent the mast exquisite traditions of Indian art form.
Madhubani Painting: Madhubani painting was originated from a small village Maithili of Bihar. The womenfolk of the village used to draw the paintings on the walls of their home as per their thoughts, hopes and dreams. In due course of time the paintings gained popularity as the part of festivities and special events. Later gradually but steadily the Madhubani painting of India crossed the national boundary and got appreciation from the connoisseurs of national and international art.
Miniature Painting: These are beautiful handmade paintings, which are small and colorful paintings. The highlight of these paintings is the intricate and delicate brushwork, which lends them a unique identity. The colors are handmade, from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. The common theme of the miniature painting comprises of the Ragas i.e. the musical codes of Indian classical music.
Mughal Painting: These painting reflect an exclusive combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. As the name suggests, these paintings were developed during the reign of Mughal Emperors in the 16th -19th century. These paintings are consisting of themes like battles, court scenes, receptions, legendary stories, hunting scenes, wildlife, portraits, etc. The Victoria and Albert Museums of London have a large collection of Mughal paintings.
Mysore Paintings: These are classical paintings of South India nurtured in Mysore. At that time Mysore city was under the reign of the Wodeyars and it was under their patronage that this school of painting reached its zenith. These are similar to the Tanjore paintings. These paintings were made using thinner gold leaves and hard work. The popular themes of these paintings include Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. The grace, beauty and intricacy of Mysore Paintings are awesome.
Pahari Paintings: Pahari painting is the name given to Rajput paintings, made in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir states of India. These paintings developed and flourished during 17th to 19th century. Indian Pahari paintings are in miniature forms mostly.
Rajput Painting: These painting were originated from the royal states of Rajasthan in the 16th and 17th century. The Mughals ruled almost all the princely states of Rajasthan, hence Rajput Painting reflect Mughal influence. Each of the Rajput kingdoms evolved a distinctive style. However, similarities and common features can still be found in the paintings of different territories.
Tanjore Paintings: Tanjore Painting is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian painting. It is the native art form of Thanjavur (Tanjore) of Tamil Nadu. The dense composition, surface richness and vibrant colors of Thanjavur Paintings are matchless.  There are embellishments of semi-precious stones, pearls and glass pieces that further add to their appeal. Tanjore Painting originated during the 16th century under the reign of the Cholas.