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From humble village huts to the opulent palces of the
Maharajas, paintings can be found everywhere in many colours and
forms. Rajasthani paintings can broadly be classified into
Wall,
Cloth and
Miniature
Paintings.
Wall Painting
 Walls
and ceilings embellished with colourful paintings are a common
sight in Rajasthan. Even huts have intricate mandanas on
them. Some of the finest frescos adorn the havelis of the
Shekhawati region and the ancient towns of Bundi and Kota. And
some of the most humorous on the walls of houses tucked away in
the lanes of Jaisalmer.
 Cloth
Paintings
They include the phad (scroll
paintings illustrated with episodes of folk legends that the
Bhopas narrate) and the pichwai (cloth
hangings used behind the deity in Vaishnava temples such as the
temple of Shrinathji at Nathdwara). Done in bright colours with
bold outlines, these paintings have strong religious traditions.
Miniature Paintings
Different schools of this fascinating art have flourished here
since the 16th century, each with its own distinctive style.
 The
Kishangarh school is best known for its Bani Thani paintings. A
totally different style with highly exaggerated features - long
necks, large almond-shaped eyes, long fingers and the use of
subdued colours.The verdant greenery of the Kota-Bundi region is
reflected in the paintings of that region.
The rulers of Amer-Jaipur were the closest to the Mughals and a
strong Mughal influence crept into their paintings.
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 Rajasthan's
terracotta tradition, dating back to the Indus Valley
Civilization, continues today in all parts of the state. The
plaques of Molela (a small town near Udaipur) are a must-buy.
Clay is extensively used for making pots, dolls and other
objects. Brush-painted images of folk divinities are sold in
village fairs during festive times such as Gangaur, Teej and
Diwali.
 Jaipur
is the home of glazed blue-pottery, which has its origin in
Persia. Vases, flower pots, bowls, water pots and other objects
are produced in traditional geometrical and floral motifs, as well
as hand-painted details of Rajasthani legends.
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