From the Land of the Rajas:

Creativity in Rajasthan

The tradition of miniature painting was introduced to Rajasthan by the 14th century, ultimately from Persia by way of the Turko-Afghan Sultanate of Delhi.  By the next century, painters were illustrating Hindu manuscripts with scenes from the life of Krishna.

Between 1700 and 1900, painters of the Rajput courts synthesized Muslim and Hindu artistic subjects and styles.  Unlike the urban, bureaucratic Mughal empire, however, the Rajputs were a kind of “rustic nobility,” with close ties to the land.  Thus folk and rural elements play a strong role in their art.  Also, unlike their Mughal brothers, Rajput painters were anonymous and not highly ranked.  They practiced a more lyrical style, with a greater emphasis on pure color and line.

Portraiture was the most popular genre introduced from the Mughal court, but the Rajasthanis emphasized realism and the depiction of the daily life of their royal patrons.  Deities were another principal subject, but here they stressed aspects of romantic love and feminine beauty.