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India: 'The Taming of a Wild Elephant', Kota, Rajasthan, ink on paper, c. 1740

India: 'The Taming of a Wild Elephant', Kota, Rajasthan, ink on paper, c. 1740

Rajput painting, also known as Rajasthani Painting, is a style of Indian painting that evolved and flourished in the royal courts of Rajputana. Each Rajput kingdom evolved a distinct style, but with certain common features. Rajput paintings depict a number of themes, events of epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, Krishna’s life, beautiful landscapes, and human life.

The colours were extracted from certain minerals, plant sources, conch shells, and were even derived by processing precious stones. Gold and silver were used. The preparation of desired colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. Brushes used were very fine.

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