Stylistic Divergence in Rajasthani Miniature Painting: A Comparative Study of Mewar and Marwar Manuscripts

Abstract

Rajasthani manuscript or miniature painting, renowned for its unique identity despite a distinctive synthesis of external influences such as Mughal, Iranian, Pahari and other indigenous traditions, flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries in major styles rooted in local courtly patronage and indigenous aesthetic traditions of Rajasthan, of which the early Mewar and Marwar paintings hold an invaluable place in Indian art with their distinctive regional stylistic vocabulary and iconographic preferences. The aim of this paper is to explore the stylistic variations of the regional visual vocabulary of Mewar and Marwar, which often focuses on Vaishnava themes such as the Bhagavata Purana and the Ramayana. In addition, the paper also examines the influences of other styles on Mewar and Marwar from an art-historical perspective. This style of painting, which flourished under the patronage of Rajput rulers, is associated with the harmonious influence of Rajasthani courtly aesthetics and Mughal sophistication and a strong Vaishnava devotional ethos. Based on a comparative analysis, this paper examines the intricate details, symbolic colours, stylistic variations, spirituality and narrative eloquence of Mewar and Marwar manuscript paintings. It also locates the miniature painting traditions of these regions within the broader history of Rajasthani art, with insights into the dynamics of regional diversity as well as cross-cultural interactions in these paintings characterized by figurative expressions.