Kishangarh and Jaipur Sub Schools Flashcards
(30 cards)
When did the Kishangarh School of Painting emerge, and under which ruler did it flourish?
The Kishangarh School emerged in the 18th century and flourished under Raja Raj Singh (1706–1748).
How did the Mughals influence Kishangarh School?
The Kishangarh School absorbed Mughal miniature techniques, especially in fine details and landscape painting, but developed a unique style focused on idealized figures and romantic themes.
What defines the artistic style of Kishangarh paintings?
Kishangarh paintings feature elongated human figures, idealized facial features, and lush green landscapes with expansive views.
What was the central theme of Kishangarh paintings?
Radha-Krishna’s divine love, portrayed in romantic settings with ethereal beauty, reflecting Raja Raj Singh’s devotion to the Vallabhacharya Pushtimarg sect.
Which ruler and artist are most associated with the Kishangarh School?
Raja Sawant Singh and his court artist Nihal Chand are central to Kishangarh’s rise, producing delicate depictions of Radha-Krishna in courtly settings.
What was Nihal Chand’s contribution to Kishangarh painting?
Nihal Chand is known for his Radha-Krishna miniatures, setting the template for Kishangarh’s romantic and idealized depictions, using exquisite colors and intricate detail.
What is the significance of the painting “Bani Thani”?
“Bani Thani” (c.1750, National Museum, New Delhi) portrays a court singer who became the model for Radha’s image in Kishangarh, setting the style for idealized feminine features.
How are female figures depicted in Kishangarh art?
Female figures have exaggerated features: long, almond-shaped eyes, a sharp nose, slender elongated necks, and are shown with elaborate jewelry and hairstyles.
Name another famous artwork from Kishangarh and its style.
“Krishna and Radha in a Pavilion” (c.1750, Allahabad Museum) portrays the divine couple in an idealized garden setting, demonstrating Kishangarh’s soft color palette and elongated figures.
What is a defining characteristic of Kishangarh’s portrayal of Radha and Krishna?
Kishangarh paintings emphasize a romantic idealization of divine love, with Radha and Krishna depicted in serene, dreamlike settings that highlight their divine beauty and devotion.
How did “Bani Thani” influence the style of Kishangarh?
“Bani Thani” became the iconic muse of Kishangarh painting, setting a template for idealized feminine beauty, influencing not just Radha’s depictions but also the overall aesthetic style of the school.
How is landscape depicted in Kishangarh paintings?
Kishangarh paintings are known for their expansive, lush green landscapes, often serving as romantic backdrops for Radha-Krishna and reflecting the divine beauty of nature.
What is unique about the level of detail in Kishangarh paintings?
Kishangarh paintings feature exquisite details, from the delicate facial expressions to the fine patterns on clothing and landscapes, showcasing intricate craftsmanship.
How did Kishangarh paintings serve religious purposes?
Many Kishangarh paintings, particularly Radha-Krishna depictions, were created for devotional worship, emphasizing the divine connection between Radha and Krishna.
When did the Jaipur School of Painting emerge, and what influenced its development?
The Jaipur School developed in the early 18th century, heavily influenced by Mughal art traditions, due to proximity to Mughal courts in Agra and Delhi.
How did Sawai Jai Singh II contribute to the Jaipur School?
Sawai Jai Singh II (r.1699–1743) established Jaipur in 1727 and founded a royal atelier (Suratkhana), inviting Mughal artists to settle, blending Mughal realism with Rajput aesthetics.
What are common themes in Jaipur School paintings?
Common themes include Radha-Krishna stories, portraiture of rulers, court life, festivals, and royal events. Artists also illustrated literary works like Rasikapriya, Baramasa, and Ragamala.
Which artists contributed to the Jaipur School of Painting?
Notable artists like Sahibram (portrait artist), Muhammad Shah, and artists under Sawai Pratap Singh’s patronage helped define the Jaipur style, focusing on portraiture and royal events.
How did Jaipur artists portray royalty in their paintings?
Jaipur artists created highly detailed, dignified portraits of rulers and royal life, with emphasis on regal attire, jewels, and courtly settings.
How did Sawai Pratap Singh’s reign influence Jaipur School?
Sawai Pratap Singh (r.1779–1803) encouraged the golden age of Jaipur painting, promoting large-scale court portraits, royal hunting scenes, and the revival of literary themes.
What are the key characteristics of Jaipur painting in the 19th century?
Jaipur paintings from this period are known for lavish use of gold, larger formats, royal portraiture, and emphasis on opulence and grandeur in courtly depictions.
How did the Jaipur style evolve in the 18th century?
By the late 18th century, the Mughal influence receded, and Jaipur painting became known for its unique style with intricate gold detailing and bright, vivid colors.
What contributions did Sawai Madho Singh (r.1750–1767) make to Jaipur painting?
Sawai Madho Singh encouraged artists to depict royal events, literary themes, and leisure activities such as hunting, marking an era of cultural expansion in Jaipur’s art.
What kind of themes became popular under Sawai Jai Singh II and later rulers?
Courtly themes such as royal processions, hunting scenes, and festivals became central to Jaipur School’s portrayal of royalty and courtly life.
