postPublished Dec 29, 2025
Indian Paintings – Complete Static GK for Government Exams
Indian paintings showcase India’s artistic journey from prehistoric cave art to modern masterpieces. This topic is a core part of Static GK and Art & Culture, frequently asked in UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and State PSC exams. Aspirants must master it for both Prelims facts and Mains answers.
1. Introduction
Indian painting is one of the oldest continuous art traditions in the world, dating back nearly 30,000 years. It reflects India’s culture, religion, history, and social life.
📌 Importance for Government Exams
Questions from Indian Paintings are commonly asked in:
- UPSC Prelims & Mains (Art & Culture)
- SSC CGL, CHSL, GD
- Banking Exams (PO, Clerk)
- Railways, Defence, State PSC
Questions are mostly direct, factual, and scoring.
2. Detailed Explanation
A. Classification of Indian Paintings
Indian paintings are broadly classified into three major categories:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Rock Shelter Paintings | Prehistoric cave & rock art |
| Mural Paintings | Wall paintings on caves & temples |
| Miniature Paintings | Small-sized, detailed manuscript paintings |
B. Principles of Indian Painting – Shadanga
According to Vatsyayana’s Kamasutra (3rd century AD), Indian paintings follow six principles (Shadanga):
| Principle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rupabheda | Variety of forms |
| Sadrisyan | Likeness to reality |
| Bhava | Expression of emotions |
| Varnikabhanga | Proper color usage |
| Pramanam | Proportion |
| Lavanyayoganam | Aesthetic charm |
C. Prehistoric & Cave Paintings
1. Bhimbetka Rock Paintings (Madhya Pradesh)
- Oldest paintings: 30,000 years old
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (2003)
- Themes: hunting, dancing, war, animals
- Stick-like human figures
2. Ajanta Cave Paintings (Maharashtra)
- Buddhist murals (Jataka tales, Buddha’s life)
- Gupta period
- Fresco technique (tempera on wet plaster)
- 30 caves, horse-shoe shaped
3. Ellora Cave Paintings
- Hindu, Buddhist & Jain themes
- Kailasa Temple paintings most famous
- Painted in two phases
D. Miniature Painting Schools
1. Major Miniature Schools
| School | Region | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pala | Eastern India | Buddhist manuscripts |
| Apabhramsa | Gujarat & Mewar | Early western Indian style |
| Mughal | North India | Persian + Indian fusion |
| Rajasthani | Rajasthan | Bold colors, themes of epics |
| Pahari | Himalayan region | Romantic & Krishna themes |
| Deccan | Golconda, Bijapur | Persian influence |
2. Mughal Painting & Emperors
| Emperor | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Humayun | Introduced Persian style |
| Akbar | Tasvir Khana, Hamzanama |
| Jahangir | Nature realism, peak period |
| Shah Jahan | Gold, silver, European touch |
| Aurangzeb | Decline of Mughal painting |
E. Folk & Tribal Paintings
| Painting | Region | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Madhubani | Bihar | No shading, geometric patterns |
| Warli | Maharashtra | White figures on red base |
| Pattachitra | Odisha | Jagannath themes |
| Kalamkari | Andhra Pradesh | Pen & vegetable dyes |
| Tanjore | Tamil Nadu | Gold foil & stones |
| Phad | Rajasthan | Scroll paintings |
| Gond | Madhya Pradesh | Dots & vibrant colors |
| Cheriyal Scroll | Telangana | Narrative folk art |
| Thangka | Himalayan region | Buddhist religious art |
F. Modern Indian Painting Schools
1. Company Paintings
- Colonial hybrid style
- Watercolor, shading, perspective
2. Bengal School of Art
- Founded by Abanindranath Tagore
- Swadeshi movement influence
- Famous work: Bharat Mata
3. Progressive Artists Group
- Founder: F.N. Souza
- Members: M.F. Husain, S.H. Raza
- European modernism influence
G. Famous Modern Indian Painters
| Painter | Contribution | Famous Works |
|---|---|---|
| Raja Ravi Varma | Father of modern Indian art | Shakuntala |
| Amrita Sher-Gil | Modern Indian pioneer | Three Girls |
| Jamini Roy | Folk-inspired style | Kalighat influence |
| Abanindranath Tagore | Bengal School | Bharat Mata |
| Nandalal Bose | Constitution artwork | Indian Constitution |
| M.F. Husain | Cubist modern art | Horses series |
3. Important Points / Features
- Indian painting tradition is continuous & diverse
- Mughal paintings reached peak under Jahangir
- Madhubani & Cheriyal Scroll have GI tags
- Tanjore paintings use gold embossing
- Kangra School is the most famous Pahari style
4. Additional Notes
- Fish in Madhubani = fertility
- Warli triangles = balance of universe
- Company paintings bridge Indian & European art
- UPSC often asks pairing & match-the-following questions
📌 One-Liner Points for Quick Revision
- Ajanta paintings belong to Gupta period
- Bhimbetka is a UNESCO site
- Kangra style is part of Pahari school
- Tanjore painting uses gold foil
- Madhubani originated in Bihar
- Mughal painting declined under Aurangzeb
- Warli art uses white rice paste
- Bengal School promoted Swadeshi values
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the oldest rock painting site in India?
Bhimbetka Rock Shelters.
Which painting style is associated with Lord Jagannath?
Pattachitra
Who is known as the father of modern Indian painting?
Raja Ravi Varma.
Which Mughal emperor patronized Tasvir Khana?
Akbar
Warli painting belongs to which state?
Maharashtra.
Which painting school painted ‘Bani Thani’?
Kishangarh School.
Which Indian painter illuminated the Constitution of India?
Nandalal Bose.
