Indian Miniature Art - Krishna and Radha Standing on a Bed - Kota Style - Ramayan

The tradition of Indian miniature painting finds its beginnings around the 7th century ACE. Appearing as text illustrations, these paintings emerged primarily in Jain and Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts. Reaching a high level of sophistication in 15th century, the style grew steadily, sustaining its similarity with other schools of miniature painting while articulating a unique aesthetics of its own. The schools of miniature painting consist of two broad variants – the first centred on Islamic elements unique to Iran and Turkey, and the second an indigenous tradition of India. Indian miniature paintings are famed for its diverse qualities – its myriad themes, subtle aesthetics, stylistic diversity, sensuality, religiosity and the opulent life of the royals to name a few. The Kota school of painting is a fine example of Rajput style of painting. Belonging to the erstwhile Kota kingdom of Rajasthan, it is renowned for the portrayal of battles, hunting expeditions, marriages and other major political events. It was a blend of Muslim and Hindu style of painting.