Miniature Paintings from South Asia
The long history of painting on the Indian subcontinent is dominated by two formats: the large-scale mural, which decorated the walls of temples and royal palaces, and the miniature, which illustrated the stories of both sacred and secular manuscripts. Each format played a fundamental role in the development of the visual culture of South Asia, and, because they are highly portable, manuscript paintings first brought the region’s artistic tradition to the world’s attention. The production of miniature paintings flourished during the Mughal Empire (1526–1858). Mughal artists were strongly influenced by Persian painting, and the style of miniature painting that eveloped and was refined at the Mughal court would later spread to other Indian royal courts. The narratives that were illustrated vary widely. Some paintings accompanied religious texts, as the written word is central to the various religions found in South Asia, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jain, and Islam. A rich secular literary tradition—including tales of rulers, romances, and dramas—also contributed to the large output of illustrated texts. Dealers who handled these illustrated manuscripts often would unbind the books and sell the miniatures individually. Brightly colored and full of detail, Indian miniatures became highly sought works of art.
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The Palace of Ravana the Demon King, scene from The RamayanaThe Palace of Ravana the Demon King, scene from The Ramayana, 2nd half of the 18th century
Indian -
Arjuna Beheading Karna with an Anjalike Weapon from the Razmnama (Book of War)Arjuna Beheading Karna with an Anjalike Weapon from the Razmnama (Book of War), 1598–99
Mughal period, 1526–1858 | Reign of Akbar, 1556–1605
Indian -
Portrait of Sharif Sarmadi from the Salim AlbumPortrait of Sharif Sarmadi from the Salim Album, ca. 1600
Mughal period, 1526–1858 | Reign of Akbar, 1556–1605
Indian -
Feast at Sultan Jalāu’d-dīn’s House at Karrah from the Baburnama (Book of Babur)Feast at Sultan Jalāu’d-dīn’s House at Karrah from the Baburnama (Book of Babur), ca. 1589-1590
Mughal period, 1526–1858 | Reign of Akbar, 1556–1605
Indian -
Composite ElephantComposite Elephant, ca. 1620–30
Deccan
Indian -
The Goddess Durga Fighting Demons from the Devi MahatmyaThe Goddess Durga Fighting Demons from the Devi Mahatmya, ca. 1690–1710
Indian -
The Goddess Durga on a Lion from the Devi MahatmyaThe Goddess Durga on a Lion from the Devi Mahatmya, ca. 1690–1710
Indian -
A prince visiting a female asceticA prince visiting a female ascetic, early 18th century
Deccan
Indian -
Mana LaljiMana Lalji, ca. 1860
Indian -
Ferocious FalconFerocious Falcon, late 18th century
Indian -
Bhils Hunting by NightBhils Hunting by Night, ca. 1760
Indian -
Shiva with his sons Ganesha and KarttikeyaShiva with his sons Ganesha and Karttikeya, late 19th–early 20th century
Indian