Exam Definitions Part 2: Hindu Rajput Painting

Question 1

Where did Hindu Rajput painting originate?

When did it flourish?

Answer 1

1. Hindu Rajput painting originated in the NW region of Rajputana
2. The painting style fourished from the 16th to the 19th Century

Question 2

What was the Rajput painting style influenced by?

Answer 2

1. Mughal love of color and nature
2. Western Indian school of Jain painting

Question 3

What were the Mughal influences on the Rajput style of painting?

Answer 3

1. Painting materials
2. Heightened color
3. Appreciation for nature
4. Detailed Technique

Question 4

What are some common subjects of Rajput paintings?

Answer 4

1. Religion
2. Hindu gods
3. Heroes and epics
4. Allegorical themes
5. Poetic mood

Question 5

Why were the Jain manuscripts of Gujrat important?

Answer 5

Because they produced a style that was conceptual, decorative and abstracted, with emphasis on bold, flat color.

Question 6

What were the two Rajput schools of painting?

Answer 6

1. The Rajasthani School
2. The Pahari School

Question 7

What was the Rajasthani School of Rajput painting?

Answer 7

A school of painting developted North and West of Dehli and the central plains; typically is a bold and dramatic style; flourishes in the 16th-18th centuries

Question 8

What was the Pahari School of Rajput painting?

Answer 8

A school of painting developed in the Punjab Hills, Himalayan; flourishes 17th-18th centuries; more lyrical with a refined linear technique; bright, pure colors

Question 9

What are some common characteristics of Rajput painting?

Answer 9

1. Non-secular objects: mythology, legends, allegorical/poetical themes
2. Style = bright/pure colors: color is used to suggest mood or rasa (flavor), appeal to the emotions and senses, not necessarily based on nature, color is flatly applied to reinfornce the stylized patterns of forms
3. Forms and compositions: usually stylized, conceptualized; space is shallow and flattened; forms used for narrative purposes; minimal realism
4. Strong appreciation for nature (animals, flowers, birds, trees) which often has symbolic content used to express the rasa/mood/flavor of the painting

Question 10

What is the Ragmala category of Rajput paintings?

Answer 10

A raga (male) and ragini (female) musical modes or melodies. A synthesis of music, verse and art; the artist attempts to express the emotion and mood of music/poetry in their painting; often associated with times of day and seasons