Prithviraj Raso
Rajput paintings thrived from the 16th to the mid-19th century under the Hindu Rajput rulers of Rajputana and the Punjab Himalayas patronage. These artworks were contemporary to Mughal paintings and initially featured a restricted colour palette, limited spatial depth, decorative flair, and themes rooted in mythology. Over time, influenced by Mughal art, Rajput paintings diversified into various styles.
Rajput paintings are broadly categorised into the ‘Rajasthani style’ and the ‘Pahari style.’ The Rajasthani paintings, supported by local Rajput monarchs, covered a vast area from Bikaner to the Gujarat border and from Jodhpur to Gwalior and Ujjain. The inception of the distinct Rajasthani style dates back to around 1500, between the latter half of the 15th century and the early 16th century. These paintings are known for their vivid colours and bold outlines, often depicting religious or romantic narratives based on the lives of Rama and Krishna and royal portraits and court scenes. The Rajput painting tradition developed unique styles in regions such as Kishangarh, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kota, and Bundi.