138. Reading Skills Comprehension: The Tradition of Painting

The Tradition of Painting

THE TRADITION OF PAINTING

Read the following passage and answer the following Questions:-

The tradition of painting has been carried on in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. Standing as a testimony to this fact are the exquisite murals of Ajanta and Ellora, Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts, Mughal and Kangra schools of miniature Indian paintings, etc. In fact, records have been found that indicate the usage of paintings for decorating the doorways, guest rooms, etc. Some traditional Indian paintings, like those of Ajanta, Bagh and Sittanavasal, depict love for nature and its forces.

 With time, Indian classical paintings evolved to become a sort of blend of the various traditions influencing them. Even the folk painting of India has become quite popular amongst art lovers, both at the national and the international level. Most of the folk paintings reflect a heavy influence of the local customs and traditions.

 Cave paintings of India date back to the prehistoric times. The finest examples of these paintings comprise the murals of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, Sittanavasal, etc, which reflect an emphasis on naturalism. Ancient cave paintings of India serve as a window to our ancestors, who used to inhabit these caves.

 Madhubani painting originated in a small village, known as Maithili, of the Bihar state of India. Initially, the womenfolk of the village drew the paintings on the walls of their homes, as illustrations of their thoughts, hopes and dreams. With time, the- paintings started becoming part of festivities and special events, like marriage.

Mughal paintings reflect an exclusive combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. As the name suggests, these paintings evolved as well as developed during the rule of Mughal emperors in India, between the 16th century and 19th century.

Pahari painting is the name given to Rajput paintings made in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir states of India. These paintings developed as well as flourished during the period of 17th to the 19th century. Indian Pahadi paintings have been done mostly in miniature forms.                                                                                                                        

(a) What is the evidence to prove that painting has been carried on in India since ancient times?

(b) How has the Indian painting evolved?

(c) What do the folk paintings mirror?

(d) Where can we find the finest of the cave paintings and what do these reflect?

 (e) Where did Madhubani painting originate from?

 (f) What do the Madhubani paintings reflect?

 (g) What does the Mughal painting illustrate?

 (h) What is the unique aspect of Pahari paintings?

Answers :

(a) The evidence can be found in the exquisite murals of Ajanta and Ellora, Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts, Mughal and Kangra schools of miniature Indian paintings.

(b) Indian paintings have evolved to become a sort of blend of the various traditions influencing them.

(c) Folk paintings mirror the local customs and traditions.

(d) The finest examples of cave paintings are the murals of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh, and Sittanavasal which reflect an emphasis on naturalism.

(e) Madhubani painting originated in the village known as Maithili in Bihar.

(f) These paintings are drawn by women and reflect their thoughts, hopes and dreams.

 (g) Mughal paintings illustrate an exclusive combination of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles.

(h) The unique aspect of Pahari paintings is that they have been done mostly in miniature forms.

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