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The Manuscript Painting Tradition

Overview of the Vishnudharmottara Purana

• The third Khanda of the Vishnudharmottara Purana (5th century) serves as a source for Indian art and painting.

• Features a chapter called Chitrasutra outlining:

  • Art of image making (pratima lakshana).

  • Canons of painting including:

    • Techniques and tools.

    • Materials and surfaces (walls).

    • Perception, perspective, and depiction of three-dimensional figures.

Key Concepts in Painting Canons

• Roobheda: Looks and appearance.

• Pramana: Measurements, proportions, and structure.

• Bhava: Expressions in painting.

• Lavanya yojana: Aesthetic composition.

• Sadrishya: Resemblance to subjects.

• Varnikabhanga: Use of brushes and colors.

• These canons guide artists, influencing painting styles throughout Indian history.

Types of Paintings

• Miniature Paintings: Small, portable, detailed artworks observed closely. Not intended for display on walls.

• Mural Paintings: Large artworks decorating patrons' mansions.

• Manuscript Illustrations:

  • Include artistic representations of texts like epics and literary works.

  • Texts usually handwritten in designated spaces above or below the illustrations.

  • Often presented in thematic sets, such as those for Ramayana, Bhagavata Purana, and others.

Importance of Colophon Pages

• Colophon pages provide crucial information about the artworks:

  • Names of patron, artist, date, and place of creation.

• Often lost over time, leading to challenges in attributing works.

Preservation Challenges

• Manuscript paintings are fragile, vulnerable to damage from fire, humidity, and mishandling.

• Often gifted as dowries or exchanged between royalty, contributing to their dispersion.

• The reconstruction of painting history is complicated due to missing colophon pages and undated sets.

Western Indian School of Painting

Overview

• Mainly flourished in the western regions, particularly Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Central India.

• Due to prosperous trade networks, wealthy merchant patrons, especially from the Jain community, influenced art themes.

Jain School of Painting

• Focused on Jain themes, bolstered by the tradition of shaastradaan (donation of books).

• Important texts include Kalpasutra, Kalakacharyakatha, and Sangrahini Sutra:

  • Kalpasutra focuses on the lives of the 24 Tirthankaras with key events like conception and enlightenment.

  • Kalakacharyakatha follows Acharya Kalaka's quest to rescue his sister.

  • Uttaradhyana Sutra outlines Mahavir's teachings on monastic conduct.

Artistic Techniques and Characteristics

Early Jain Manuscripts

• Initially painted on palm leaves, treated for durability before the introduction of paper in the 14th century.

• Paintings adhere loosely and feature moments from Jain narratives blended with text sections.

Stylistic Elements

• Use of bright colors and patterns, thin lines, and attempts at three-dimensionality.

• Elements of architecture reflect the political contexts of the time.

• Notable creative phase (1350-1450), showcasing dynamic representations of figures and landscapes, with lavish gold detailing indicating high social status of patrons.

Pre-Mughal and Mughal Influences

• A transition into pre-Mughal or indigenous styles, which showcase transparency in fabrics and suggestive architectural elements.

• Emergence of Sultanate School of Painting blending Persian and indigenous styles:

  • Defined by hybrid features, as seen in works like Nimatnama.

• Illustrates a hybrid style, encompassing rich culinary and cultural narratives.

Pala School of Painting

Historical Context

• Active during the 11th and 12th centuries, notable for Buddhist art.

• Produced from Buddhist monasteries, spreading artwork across South East Asia.

• Works like Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita exemplify Pala style with flowing lines and subdued colors.

Decline of Pala Art

• The Pala dynasty weakened due to Muslim invasions in the early 13th century, marking the end of Pala art.

Conclusion

• The manuscript painting tradition in India is a rich tapestry of cultural, religious, and artistic influences.

• Understanding these various schools and styles enhances appreciation for India's artistic heritage.