Indian painting is a reflection of the country’s rich culture and tradition. Along with the rich culture, the country also possesses some excellent painters who make authenticate and unique paintings with their imaginations and creativity. Some painters who have gained accolades in the international arena are Amrita Shergil, Ravi Varma, Tyeb Mehta and M.F.Husain.
The history of Indian paintings dates back to the pre historic times when rock painting was discovered in Bhimbetka. Over a period of time paintings further emerged and the country witnessed the magnificent pillar Ellora painted in shades of red and orange. Later on, various events from the Buddhist Literature were painted using various colors prepared from minerals. With the passage of time innovative ideas and styles of paintings came up that has continued captivating the hearts of common man.
The most common form of Indian paintings is the mural and miniature. Mural is a painting that is executed on a wall, ceiling or large solid surfaces while miniature is a detailed painting that is executed on small surfaces like paper, cloth, tiles, etc. Other form of paintings includes Mughal painting, Mysore painting and Tanjore painting. Mughal paintings emerged during the Mughal Empire and were a kind of miniature. Mysore paintings evolved in South India and showed illustrations of mythological themes. Tanjore paintings emerged in the 9th century and portrayed Hindu Gods and Goddess.
Indian painting is powerful in the sense of beauty because it manifests perfect expression of harmony and inspires the common man with a new aesthetic perception.
