Miniature Paintings

Dated back in 17th century, Miniature paintings evolved from the Western Himalayas. Miniature paintings are intricate handmade paintings which are colourful but small in size. These paintings showcase flawless and subtle brushwork which adds on to their beauty. Miniature paintings got its name from its size. The first miniature painting was made on palm leaves in 10th century and on paper in 14th century. The colours used in these paintings are natural made from minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, shells, gold and silver. The most common theme of these paintings is the ragas, musical codes of Indian classical music.

Miniature paintings are highly influenced by Mural paintings strattera pill. In the Mughal political horizon, the themes of miniature paintings were portraits, court scenes, flora and fauna. The themes of Rajput and Pahari miniature paintings were poetry, legends, religious mythology, love and changing season. Mughals are held responsible for introducing Persian tradition to Indian Miniature paintings. It is said, each emperor who ruled India had a different different choice of art and different schools were established to flourish this art.


These paintings are made by sketching freely in black or red then priming with white. The surface is rubbed till the lines show clearly through it. Then another outline is drawn with a fine brush. Colours are mixed in water along a binding material to paint the background first then the sky, the building, the trees and so on. Figures are painted in the end before final outline. The binding material used in colours are Gum arabic and Neem gum. The brushes used are made of animal’s hair. Squirrel’s hair being fine were used to make fine brushes.

Miniature paintings were made by a number of artists who were specialized in composition, colouring or drawing with main emphasis on communication of expression. The most important miniature painting in India are the Rajasthani, Mughal, Pahari and Deccani courts.