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Madhya Pradesh
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The miniature school of Bundelkhand was first developed at Orchha and went on to inspire other painting styles across the region. India is globally recognised as the birthplace and land of great artistic endeavours. From the sculptures of Khajuraho to the architectural marvel of the temples of Thanjavur, there is art in everything. The art of painting, too, finds its feet in different forms and different parts of the country, most notably, in the heart of India.
Comprising the art styles of Raghogarh, Malwa, and Bundelkhand, the Central Indian school of art traces its origins to the 5-6th century mural, with Mandu, the then capital of Malwa, being the primary place for miniatures that went on to inspire the Rajasthani style of art.
A cultural land bound by the Yamuna in the north, the Vindhya plateau in the south, Chambal in the northwest and the Panna ranges in the southeast, the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh is endowed with cultural heritage incomparable. Think wall paintings of Orchha and Datia. The miniature painting at the Bundelkhand royal courts of Orchha and Datia, have contributed immensely to the Indian artistic tradition.
The miniature school of Bundelkhand was first developed at Orchha. Author Konrad Seitz's book on the subject Origins of Orchha painting Orchha, Datia, Panna Miniatures from the Royal Courts of Bundelkhand (1590-1850) Vol. 1 describes Orchha as the earliest and most Indian of all the Rajput schools which practised an indigenous style of painting that was separate from Mughal influence.
Raja Rudra Pratap founded his capital city Orchha in 1531 AD. Under his son, Madhukar Shah, art thrived in the city in the form of wall paintings such as miniature murals which showcase scenes from Ramayana and Krishna Leela. Raja Veer Singh Ju Dev, the grandson of Madhukar Shah and an ally of Jahangir, built Jahangiri Mahal, a seven-floor structure in Orchha that takes forward the miniature tradition by delineating themes such as war, dance, hunting and other floral designs. While Orccha is a relatively nondescript town, the murals that adorn the walls of the Lakshmi Temple here are sublime. From paintings of Bundela kings on battlefields to scenes from Lord Krishna's life, the stunning paintings are elaborate and tasteful.
Mythological and religious themes continued in the paintings of Datia, after it was created when Orccha was bifurcated in 1626. The Ramayana series, with a touch of Mughal influence, is one of the most distinctive contributions of Datia to the Bundelkhand school of miniatures. Bundelkhand miniatures are elaborate and ornate rich costumes and stunning bejewelled subjects, drawn on coarse paper called Chattarpuri kaagaz, sets the painting style apart from its contemporaries. Datia school of painting is said to have left its imprint on the Malwa painting traditions as well.
