Deccan Paintings – UPSC Notes – Art and Culture

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Deccan paintings flourished in the plateau region of southern India, beyond the Vindhya mountain range, under the patronage of various Deccan Sultans.

The cities of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar were instrumental in establishing a distinctive style of court painting within this school. Characterized by a unique sensuality and vibrant color palette, these artworks strongly reflect the essence of regional aesthetics.

With an emphasis on complex composition, the Deccan School of Painting aimed to evoke a romantic atmosphere in its creations, always presented in a style that embraced naturalness and vibrancy.

The diverse types of Deccani paintings further showcase the richness and variety of this artistic tradition. The following are the types:

Ahmednagar School of Painting

• Sponsored by Hussain Nizam Shah I of Ahmednagar, the Ahmednagar School of Painting gained prominence.
• Noteworthy within this school is the illustrated manuscript titled ‘Tarif-i-Hussain Shahi’.
• The paintings from the Ahmednagar school are characterized by vibrant and deep colors.
• The depictions of females in these artworks showcase the cultural heritage of Malwa’s northern region. The attire features a northern style, including choli, long pigtails, and braids adorned with tassels.
• These paintings also exhibit Persian influences, evident in the scenic backgrounds, bright skies, and lofty horizons portrayed within the artwork.

Bijapur School of Painting

• Patrons of the Bijapur School of Painting were Ali Adil Shah I and his successor Ibrahim II.
• A notable work within this school is ‘Najum-al-ulum’ (Stars of Sciences).
• The picture boasts a vibrant color palette, featuring animals, palm trees, men, and women, all associated with the Deccan heritage.
• These paintings notably incorporate the extensive use of the color gold.

Golconda School of Painting

• The Golconda School of Paintings flourished under the patronage of the rulers of Qutb Shahi.
• Under the reign of Muhammad Quli Qutab Shah, the first major work within this artistic tradition was completed.
• Notably, these paintings focus on vivid depictions of dance.
• The influence of Iranian art is significantly pronounced in Golconda miniature paintings.
• Two additional remarkable pieces from Golconda are the ‘Lady with the Myna bird‘ and the ‘Lady smoking Hookah‘.

Hyderabad School of Painting

• The Hyderabad School of Painting was established in the third quarter of the eighteenth century.
• It was formally created in 1724 following the establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty by Nizam-ul-Mulk.
• A well-known masterpiece from this school is the painting titled “Princes in the Company of Maids.”
• These paintings are characterized by the use of Deccan face forms, rich colors, and distinctive clothing styles.

Mysore School of Painting

• The origins of the Mysore School of Painting can be traced back to between the 2nd and 7th centuries.
• Hallmarks of Mysore art include elegance, subdued colors, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Mysore Paintings are distinguished by delicate lines, exquisite brush strokes, beautiful delineation of figures, and a subtle use of vibrant vegetable colors and shiny gold leaf.
• These artworks extend beyond mere aesthetic appeal; they are crafted to evoke sentiments of devotion and humility in the observer.
• Within the paintings, the observer can discern the painter’s myriad emotions, a significant aspect contributing to the distinctive style of the Mysore School of Painting.

Thanjavur School of Painting

• Origins and Period:
  • Developed during the Marathas’ rule in the 16th century in the Thanjavur district.
  • Active from the 17th through the 19th centuries.
• Characteristics:
  • Typically features a god with a well-rounded physique and almond-shaped eyes as the central figure.
  • An arch, drapes, and other elements are employed to form an enclosure around this central figure.
  • The artwork is distinguished by the use of gilding and gem-setting, utilizing gold leaf and dazzling stones to accentuate various features such as decorations and clothing.
  • The paintings are characterized by their brightness, vivid colors, and stunning beauty, with many featuring infant Krishna.
  • Even in dimly lit environments or darkness, these paintings are known for their luminous presence.
• Practitioners:
  • Prominent practitioners of this art include the Rajus in Thanjavur and Trichy and the Naidus in Madurai.

The remarkable excellence displayed in early miniatures suggests that artists received training within a regional tradition, possibly rooted in mural art. Deccan painting surpasses early Mughal painting in aspects such as the vibrancy of colors, the subtlety and ingenuity of composition, and an overall ambiance of opulent decadence. Deccani art deliberately avoided realism, opting instead for a more profound exploration of inner realms with mystical and enigmatic connotations, akin to the Mughal approach.

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Mural Paintings

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Deccan Paintings:

1. What is the Deccan Painting?
   • The Deccani School of Painting, also known as Deccani painting, is a form of Indian miniature painting produced in the Deccan region of Central India. It emerged in the capitals of Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmadnagar, Bidar, and Berar, following the disintegration of the Bahmani Sultanate in 1520.
2. What are the four main features of Deccan painting?
   • The four main features of Deccani painting include inspiration from the Vijayanagar school of painting and traditions of pre-Mughal painting of Malwa. Unique aspects encompass ethnic types, landscape, costumes, jewelry, flora, fauna, and vibrant colors.
3. Which is the main Centre of Deccan Painting?
   • The main centers of the Deccan School of Painting were the kingdoms of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmadnagar, where this school of art developed and flourished.
4. What is the theme of Yogini Deccan painting?
   • The theme of Yogini in Deccan painting revolves around an individual practicing yoga, leading a disciplined life, engaging in physical and emotional training, pursuing spiritual and intellectual explorations, and renouncing worldly attachments.
5. What are the main features of Deccan miniature painting?
   • The main features of Deccani miniature paintings include rich and brilliant colors that differ from northern paintings. Distinctive elements in the paintings of the 18th and 19th centuries are observed in the treatment of ethnic types, costumes, jewelry, flora, fauna, landscapes, and colors.
6. What are the different kinds of Deccan paintings?
   • Different kinds of Deccanese paintings include those patronized by the kings of Vijayanagara and Bahamani, influenced by Mughal and Rajasthani miniature paintings. The Nagara, Bijapur, and Golconda styles of painting also have roots in this region, showcasing diverse artistic influences.