Context: Renowned Indian art historian and critic Brijinder Nath Goswamy, celebrated for his extensive research on the Indian miniature painting tradition, has recently passed away in Chandigarh after battling prolonged illness. As a recipient of the Padma Bhushan, Goswamy gained prominence following the release of his seminal 1968 article, 'Pahari Painting: The Family as the Basis of Style.'
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- Brijinder Nath Goswamy, was born on August 15, 1933, was a distinguished Indian art critic and historian.
- The Government of India acknowledged Goswamy's contributions with the prestigious Padma Shri in 1998 and later honoured him with the Padma Bhushan in 2008.
- In his article, 'Pahari Painting: The family as the basis of style,' Goswamy delved into the intricate family lineages of renowned artists.
- His expertise in Pahari painting, a traditional miniature art form originating in the Punjab region's hills, was exemplified through detailed studies of artists like Pandit Seu, Nainsukh, and Manaku.
- His literary knowledge extended across various themes, with notable works such as 'A Place apart: Painting in Kutch, 1720-1820.' He explored Kutch's visual history, highlighting the influence of Mughal connections on the region's art.
- The landmark work, 'Painters at the Sikh court,' delved into the wealth and patronage of Sikh courts.
- Utilizing historical documents, he provided a comprehensive narrative of Punjab's post-British occupation art scene, shedding light on the lives of painters during that period.
- In the edited book 'Life at Court: Art for India’s rulers, 16th-19th centuries,' he explored subjects in Rajput and Mughal painting, offering unique insights into the lives of India's rulers.
Esteemed for his profound understanding of Indian art, B. N. Goswamy's contributions continue to shape the discourse in art history. His enduring publications remain essential resources for studying India's rich artistic heritage, making him a revered figure in the realm of Indian art and culture.
About Miniature paintings:
- Miniature painting, an exquisite art form IS characterized by details on a small scale, captivating with its vibrant colours and intricate patterns, as noted by the World Art Community.
- One distinctive aspect of miniature paintings lies in their diminutive size, crafted with intricate brushwork that contributes to their unique identity.
- Natural sources such as vegetables, indigo, precious stones, gold, and silver provide the vibrant colours.
- While artists worldwide convey diverse themes through paintings, Indian miniature paintings often centre around Ragas (musical notes patterns), religious narratives, and mythological stories.
- This delicate tradition traces its origins back to the Buddhist Pala dynasty which ruled Bengal and Bihar from the 8th to the 11th century. These intricate artworks emerged as a response to the religious teachings of Buddha.
- Initially manifesting as illustrations of religious texts on Buddhism and Jainism, these early paintings graced palm leaves until the advent of paper in the 11th to 13th centuries.
- Around 960 A.D., miniature paintings made their way to the western regions of India, introduced by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty.
- However, the true flourishing of the miniature painting tradition began during the Mughal Empire in the early 1500s. Humayun and his descendants played a pivotal role in elevating court painting, particularly in the form of Mughal miniatures.
Schools of Miniature paintings:
Indian miniature painting evolved through the centuries, with each school bearing the imprint of the social, religious, economic, and political milieu of its region.
1. Pala school (8th century A.D.):
With a focus on symbolic colour usage, these paintings drew inspiration from Buddhist tantric rituals. This style radiated across South-East Asia, reaching Sri Lanka, Nepal, Burma, and Tibet.
2. Jain school (11th century A.D.):
- The Jain school portrayed religious texts like 'Kalpa Sutra' and 'Kalkacharya Katha' through miniature paintings.
- Originating on palm leaves and transitioning to paper in the 12th century, these paintings featured vibrant colours, enlarged eyes, and intricate depictions of Tirthankara goddesses.
- This school witnessed a decline in the late 16th century.
3. Orissa school (17th century A.D.):
- The Orissa school maintained its tradition by using palm leaves despite widespread paper usage.
- This school predominantly depicted the love stories of Radha and Krishna, Krishna Leela, and Gita Govinda.
- The paintings, rich in colour, vividly captured the eastern landscapes of India with bold and expressive strokes.
4. Mughal school (16th-18th centuries):
- The Mughal School, an amalgamation of Indian and Persian styles, flourished under Akbar's reign.
- This era witnessed a fusion of the Indian artistic tradition with the Persian style, giving birth to the distinctive Mughal style of painting.
- Scenes from the royal court, hunting expeditions, and battles graced these paintings. The Mughal influence extended to Hindu painters, who incorporated stories from 'Ramayana' and 'Mahabharata.'
- Yet, this golden era experienced a decline during Aurangzeb's reign, prompting skilled miniaturists to migrate to the princely courts of Rajasthan, the lower Himalayan hill kingdoms, and the plains of Punjab.
4. Rajasthani school:
- Rajasthan, too, witnessed the rise of diverse schools of miniature painting, including Kishangarh, Bundi, Jaipur, Mewar, and Marwar.
- The miniature paintings of Rajasthan, while retaining traces of Mughal influence, carved out their own unique identity.
- These artworks often delved into the royal lifestyle, narrating tales of bravery, and weaving mythological stories around revered figures like Lord Krishna and Radha.
5. Pahari school (17th-19th centuries A.D.)
- In regions like Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Tehri-Garhwal, a fresh artistic expression emerged known as Pahari painting.
- Pahari paintings depicted both religious and secular themes, featuring detailed renditions of epics such as Mahabharat, Ramayana, Puranas, and Gita.
- Schools like Guler, Basohli, Garhwal, Chamba, and Kangra thrived.
- Gods and goddesses, along with the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, were common themes.
- Influenced by both Mughal and Rajasthani styles, these paintings featured bold colours and ornate frames.
6. Deccan school (16th-19th centuries A.D.):
- This style, born after the dissolution of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1520, initially developed independently of Mughal influences.
- Thriving in places like Ahmednagar, Golconda, Tanjore, Hyderabad, and Bijapur, the Deccan school drew from the rich traditions of the Deccan and influences from Turkey, Persia, and Iran.
- Unlike its Mughal counterpart, it showcased intense colours, sensuous female figures, geometrically accurate buildings, and multi-dimensional effects.
Each school of Indian miniature painting serves as a testament to the nation's artistic diversity, offering a captivating journey through time and cultural influences.