Both affirm power and contain it. Phad paintings depict the 'pabu' epic of Rajasthan
that forms a large, colourful backdrop to a dance drama on 'pabuji' and is played
with a musical instrument called the 'jantar'. The tribal social systems that focus
on cooperation rather than competition are reflected in all these art forms and
are symbolic of man's superb adaptation to nature.
Pattachitra style of painting is one of the oldest and most popular art forms
of Odisha. The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta,
meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture. Pattachitra is thus a painting
done on canvas, and is manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs
and designs, and portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction.
'Religious paintings with a royal heritage' is the best definition for Thanjavur
paintings, now better known as Tanjore paintings. Tanjore painting ranks among
the greatest traditional art forms for which India is noted worldwide. Their themes
are fundamentally mythological. These religious paintings demonstrate that spirituality
is the essence of creative work. Few art forms match the beauty and grace of Tanjore
paintings.
The art of Miniature painting was introduced to the land of India by the Mughals,
who brought the much-revealed art form from Persia. In the sixteenth century,
the Mughal ruler Humayun brought artists from Persia, who specialized in miniature
painting. The succeeding Mughal Emperor, Akbar built an atelier for them to promote
the rich art form. These artists, on their part, trained Indian artists who produced
paintings in a new distinctive style, inspired by the royal and romantic lives of
the Mughals.
Names like Rangoli, Kolam etc are not new to us, and neither is the tradition of
drawing them at the entrance of homes and temples. In fact it is part of the domestic
routine in Hindu households, who consider it auspicious to draw certain patterns
at the doorstep and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. This art form is
a harmonious blend of Aryan, Dravidian and Tribal traditions.
A distinct temple culture was what gave birth to Mural Paintings in Kerala. The
walls and the ceilings of the shrines and temples were painted with exquisite depictions
of scenes from Hindu mythology. As with most of the other art fors of the region,
religion formed the inspiration and provided theme to this art. The murals painted
in Kerala's various palaces and temples were full of Gods/Goddesses images and other
scenes from the Puranas. The highly colorful background was formed by paintings
of flowers, gardens, trees, animals and other natural elements.