Sub-schools

The essentials

Rajasthani painting is divided into sub-schools named after the courts where they flourished. Although they share bright colours and devotional themes, each developed its own look under its patrons.

Key points

• Mewar (Udaipur): earliest major centre; Chawand Ragamala (1605) by Nisardi; Sahibdin painted a large illustrated Ramayana and other sets for Rana Jagat Singh I. Strong reds and yellows, crowded compartmentalised compositions; later many court and festival scenes.
• Bundi: lush, dense vegetation, flowering trees, rich skies, rounded faces; Ragamala and Rasikapriya themes; strong sense of nature.
• Kota: closely related to Bundi (Kota was carved out of Bundi); famous for hunting scenes set in thick jungles with lively animals.
• Marwar (Jodhpur): vigorous figures, bright colours; portraits and court scenes; under Maharaja Man Singh many paintings of the Nath sect.
• Bikaner: strong Mughal influence; Mughal-trained artists such as Ali Raza and Ruknuddin worked there; refined line and delicate colours.
• Amber-Jaipur: Mughal-influenced portraits and court scenes; large paintings and Krishna-lila themes, especially under Sawai Pratap Singh.
• Kishangarh: idealised, elongated faces; patron Raja Sawant Singh; artist Nihal Chand.

Exam tips

• Make pairs: Kota–hunting scenes; Bundi–lush vegetation; Kishangarh–Bani Thani type face; Bikaner–Mughal-trained artists; Mewar–Sahibdin.
• If a question mentions "jungle hunt with tigers and dense trees", think Kota.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up Bundi and Kota. Both share features, but Kota is especially known for hunting scenes.
• Placing Basohli or Kangra among Rajasthani schools; they are Pahari.