MINIATURE PAINTINGS

Miniature paintings of India have a special place in the world of plastic art. Inspired by nature, mythology, literatures, Indian paintings patronized by the emperors, have created a special arena and always mesmerised the art lovers. These paintings are usually done on hand made paper. Pigments from minerals and vegetables with gum as binding medium are used for painting colours. Various states such as Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab have their own distinctive style of painting which are known by the name of the state. From emperor’s depiction, their courtly activities, war scenes to animal hunting, nature, love scenes to devotional themes all are beautifully depicted in these miniature paintings of India.

Cottage offers a good variety of Miniature paintings Like Shiva Pariwar which depicts Lord Shiva sitting on Kailash mountain (his domain)with his consort devi Parvathi sitting on his left side. The main attributes of Shiva is the third eye on his forehead, snake vasuki around his neck, a crescent moon and the holy river Ganges on his head, Trishul and Damroo (his musical instrument) are also shown beautifully in this painting. Another famous Miniature painting is Mughal Miniature painting.  Mughal Paintings marked a colorful phase of the Indian Cultural history, which is closely related to the emperor’s personalities. Treatment of background and the landscape gave new depth to the miniature paintings of Mughal period. With precise cutlines, soft tones and atmospheric effects an impressive range of visual is created in these miniature paintings.