The World of Miniature Art: Bundi School

A prominent school of art under the Rajasthani School of miniature paintings, The Bundi school is a prestigious sub-school that flourished under multiple rulers and various political unrest, but excelled in keeping up its charm. With changes under various rulers, Bundi’s art only grew many folds.

Bhoj Singh Stalking a Tiger at Night Source: Wikimedia Commons

One of the many Rajasthani Schools of Miniature Paintings, Bundi School is a master of excellence when it comes to balancing colours and bringing to life the intricacies of formal design.

The art of Bundi flourished in the hands of two rulers - Chattar Sal (1631-59), who was in the service of Shahjahan, and his son Bhao Singh (1659-82), a patron of the arts. The rulers were more commonly known by their titles - Chattar Sal earned his for being an eminent warrior and Bhao Singh earned his for being a patron of the arts. Innovations were observed during the rule of successors Aniruddha Singh (1682-1702) and Budh Singh (1682-1722), whose bearded face can be seen in many pictures commissioned by them. Although the kingdom witnessed much political unrest, they kept encouraging the practice of art.

Artistic activity at Bundi reached its height during the reign of Ummed Singh. The long reign of his successor, Bishen Singh (48 years), supported the refinement of painting in the court. He was a connoisseur of art. He enjoyed hunting and is frequently depicted in the paintings along with his favorite pastime.

His successor was Ram Singh who decorated the Chitrashala, also known as Ummed Mahal, with murals depicting royal processions, hunting scenes, Krishna stories and other themes. This glimpse of history still exists, displaying vibrant murals that are arguably one of the best in this world.

The Bundi School is, therefore, often divided and talked about in reference to timelines and rulers, the earliest example that kick-started the art school being the Chunar Ragamala painting from 1561. These were commonly referred to be a part of the Bundi Ragmala phase and were done under the rule of Bhoj Singh.

Early on in their career, the artists Shaykh Hasan, Shaykh Ali and Shaykh Hatim, identified themselves as pupils of master artists from the Mughal court named Mir Sayyid Ali and Khwaja Abddus Samad, and engraved an inscription on a painting indicating where it came from. It was soon identified to be a part of the same Bundi Ragamala phase. The surviving few folios of this Chunar set are Raginis Khambavati, Bilaval, Malashri, Bhairavi, Patmanjari and few others.

What separates Bundi from its friends in the same time-period under the Rajasthani School is its unique style of painting. It has a strong influence of the Mughal touch, but enhanced with the stylistic elements of the Deccan.

Common emphasis of the paintings were scenes of court, hunting, celebrations, flora and fauna and the depiction of love. The life of the nobles as well as Lord Krishna, were heavily drawn and portrayed. Themes such as Nayaka-Nayika, Baramsa, Harem and so on were also explored.

The women in the paintings followed their own beauty standards that reflected what was ideal in the given period of time. The Bundi artists usually drew them with petite figures and pinched waist, along with round faces, receding foreheads, sharp noses, full cheeks and sharply penciled eyebrows.

The vibrant colour stories in these miniature paintings were brought to life with the help of organic colours made from minerals, vegetables, precious stones and pure metals like silver and gold.

Therefore, the practice of art was passed down in and around the Bundi regions like a rich tradition of storytelling. It was celebrated, commissioned and improved upon, with every shift in governance, trends and enjoyed themes.

Chitrashala Source: Wikimedia Commons