Ch 3

• During the 12th Century A.D., there were hardly any patrons to support large-scale art projects in India, except for a few temple constructions in Rajasthan, Bengal, and Orissa
• The Muslim rulers during this period mainly focused on building forts and Maqbaras, enriching Indian art with illustrated manuscripts
• Illustrated manuscripts from this period belonged to different religious sects like Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, with main centres in Bengal, Gujarat, and Bihar
• The manuscripts were made under the patronage of the Pala dynasty in Bengal and Bihar, showcasing a distinct style called "Pala style"
• Rajput paintings and Mughal paintings flourished from the 16th Century A.D. to the 19th Century A.D., with Rajput paintings combining folk and Ajanta styles, and Mughal paintings combining Persian and Rajput styles
• The decline of Indian art started after the 18th Century A.D.
• Guler school of painting:

  • Originated in Guler, a small state near Kangra valley
  • Flourished between 1450 A.D. to 1780 A.D.
  • Influenced by Folk art and Mughal miniature style
  • Characterized by genuine romanticism of the myth of Krishna and Radha, along with stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata
• Jain miniature paintings:

  • Developed all over India from the 7th Century A.D. and reached maturity during the 10th Century A.D. to 15th Century A.D.
  • Illustrated Jain scriptures with images of Tirthankaras like Parsvnath, Neminath, Rishabhnath, and others
  • Predominant colours include red, yellow, gold, and silver
  • Human figures show special characteristics like faces in profile and frontal view of eyes
• Terracotta temples in Bishnupur:

  • Located in West Bengal
  • Decorated with terracotta tiles reflecting various cultural and religious themes
  • Themes include figures of Shiva, Durga, Radha, Krishna, characters from Ramayana and Mahabharata, and contemporary social life