How did painting start in India?

How did painting start in India

Painting in India began thousands of years ago, evolving through several cultural phases. Here is a clear and simple explanation:

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How Painting Started in India

1. Prehistoric Beginnings (Origins of Indian Painting)

The earliest form of painting in India can be traced back to prehistoric cave art.

• The Bhimbetka rock shelters (Madhya Pradesh), dating to 30,000 years ago, contain paintings of hunting scenes, animals, daily life, and rituals.

• These paintings used natural materials like red ochre, charcoal, and white clay.

➡️ This marks the earliest known beginning of painting in India.

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2. Indus Valley Civilisation (2500–1500 BCE)

Although no large paintings survived, painted pottery with geometric and floral designs shows that the concept of decorative art existed very early.

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3. Early Religious & Monumental Painting (3rd century BCE – 5th century CE)

Painting developed further under the Mauryas and Guptas.

• The Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE – 5th century CE) contain some of the world’s finest murals.

• These paintings show themes from Buddhism, Jataka tales, kings, queens, and everyday life.

➡️ Ajanta marks the birth of classical Indian painting.

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4. Medieval Period (10th–17th centuries)

Painting grew in regional kingdoms:

• Pala School in Bengal & Bihar

• Jain Manuscript Painting in Gujarat & Rajasthan

• Miniature Painting traditions began to flourish

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5. Mughal Period (16th–18th centuries)

Mughal emperors introduced a blend of Persian + Indian styles.

• Naturalism, portraits, court scenes, and refined detailing became important.

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6. Rajput & Deccan Schools (17th–19th centuries)

Different regions developed their own unique styles:

• Mewar, Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Kishangarh, Kangra

• Themes included epics, Krishna Leela, Ragamala, nature, and romance.

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7. Modern Indian Painting (19th–20th centuries)

The Bengal School—led by Abanindranath Tagore—revived Indian styles in response to colonial Western influence, marking the beginning of modern Indian art.

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In summary:

Painting in India began with prehistoric cave art, evolved through religious murals, flourished in miniature traditions, reached refinement in Mughal and Rajput styles, and transformed into modern art with new movements.