PRE-MODERN INDIAN ART SCHOOLS (Ancient–1850)

Ajanta Cave Paintings

2nd c BCE–6th c CE | Fresco-secco technique | Fluid naturalistic figures | Expressive eyes, narrative Buddhist scenes | Earthy browns and ochres

Mughal Miniature Painting

16th–18th c | Persian influence | Fine detailing, jewel-like colors | Side-profile faces, court scenes, hunting | Ornate borders

Rajput Miniature Painting

16th–19th c | Bold primary colors | Large almond-shaped eyes | Love, devotion, heroism | Flat symbolic backgrounds

Pahari School of Painting

Himalayan region | Soft lyrical style | Delicate figures | Romantic Bhakti themes | Pastel landscapes

Kishangarh School

Rajput sub-school | Elongated eyes and noses | Stylised Radha | Pale faces, dreamy mood | Highly exaggerated features

Mewar School

Rajput sub-school | Flat compositions | Bold reds, yellows, blues | Religious narratives | Minimal shading

Bundi School

Rajput sub-school | Dynamic movement | Lush forests, monsoon scenes | Night skies | Strong emotional drama

Marwar School

Rajput sub-school | Bright colors | Warrior themes | Masculine figures | Sparse backgrounds

Deccan Miniature Painting

16th–18th c | Persian + Indian fusion | Tall elegant figures | Fantastical architecture | Deep blues, purples, gold

Company School Painting

Late 18th–19th c | European realism | Accurate anatomy, perspective | Indian subjects | Documentary illustration style

Kalighat Painting

19th c Bengal | Bold sweeping lines | Flat bright colors | Satire, social themes | Thick black contours

Thanjavur (Tanjore) Painting

South India | Gold foil embossing | Rich reds and greens | Central deity | Relief-like surface

Mysore Painting

South India | Softer gold | Muted palette | Graceful figures | Delicate line work

Pattachitra Painting

Odisha & Bengal | Bold outlines | Flat colors | Mythological storytelling | Decorative borders