Wall Paintings of Rajasthan

Author(s): Dalsukh Malvania, Nagin J Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

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FOREWORD
The traditional techniques and methods of mural decoration in Rajasthan are of particular interest to the students of Indian mural painting. After Ajanta and Bagh the link of mural paintings in India is not traced sufficiently with information and data. The continuity of this tradition of the art of mural decoration, after Ajanta and Bagh, though in its very late phase, is seen in the wall paintings of Rajasthan,
The technique of painting employed in Rajasthani murals is popularly known as Jaipur Process. It is a process of painting on wet-surface of the wall-plaster. This process of painting on wet-plaster was known and practised in early times in Italy, Egypt, India, Tibet, China, Korea, Japan and other countries. The techniques employed in all these countries were of 'fresco buono' and 'fresco-secco' and 'tempera' in egg or other adhesives like glues from Babul trees or animal hides. Though the techniques were same, the results differed according to the clime, time and the mood of the artist.
In India, Rajasthan is the place where the tradition of paintings on walls is still noticed in the old fort palaces, private Havelis and temples, though at present it is deteriorated in the hands of 'chiteras'. Roughly the period of these murals can be placed between two to three hundred years.
Rajasthan is an arid area. The climatic condition has helped to preserve the mural paintings in this Maru Bhumi. The murals of Bundi, Kota, Nagaur, Jaipur, Galta, Pundarikji's Haveli and other remote places in Rajasthan are remarkable and they give an insight into the art and technique of Rajasthani mural painting. Stylistically these paintings differ, but so far as the subject matter is concerned, they