Articles by Nitin Kumar

"In Indian art generally, possibly because of its predominantly religious character, the symbolic level is always the more important. The depicted surface-reality always very strongly implies some general statement. For instance, the animals and plants of the Buddhist frescoes are not just animals and plants but symbols of the whole of creation, a statement that it is animated, that it feels and suffers."

Indian miniature paintings, a symbol of India’s rich artistic heritage, are exquisite works of art characterized by their diminutive size and unparalleled detail. These paintings, often no larger than a few inches, encapsulate within their tiny frames a world of intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and profound narratives. Spanning centuries and diverse cultures, Indian miniature paintings offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history, religion, and aesthetics. The Mughal miniatures, Rajput painting, and sub-schools within it create a large collection of historical miniatures, however, small images drawn on surfaces is a technique that existed in the country since ancient times.

The Mughal miniature is known for setting a vast and intricate story within a very small frame. This means that the subjects- human, natural, and architectural elements with all their details were drawn with precision. Everything, from a line to shading of the subjects was to be done with a steady hand because the miniature would be effective only if all the visual components were sharp and clear. To draw a perfect miniature, the artist had to pick the perfect brush. "In Sanskrit the word Tulika is used for brushes. The artists in their ordinary language call it Kalam. It is worthwhile noting here that the different styles of paintings are also called as Kalam, viz. - Bundi Kalam, Kangra Kalam, Shah Kalam, etc. Kalams of different thicknesses are chiefly prepared for different types of works and from different types of bristles. The thick or medium size Kalam is required to fill colors in the painting."