NCERT Class 12 Fine Art An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II: Chapter 2 — The Rajasthani Schools of Painting 2
This chapter introduces the Rajasthani Schools of Painting, which flourished in the princely states of Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh between the 16th and 19th centuries. Originally termed 'Rajput Paintings' by Anand Coomaraswamy in 1916 to distinguish them from Mughal art, the term 'Rajasthani Schools' is now preferred. These schools, despite geographical proximity, exhibited diverse styles in execution, color preference, composition, and naturalism. Paintings were created on 'waslis' (layered handmade paper), with pigments derived from minerals and precious metals. The process involved teamwork, from preliminary sketches by master artists to coloring and finishing touches by specialists. The chapter also touches upon the themes, highlighting the popularity of Vaishnavism and the depiction of Krishna as both God and an ideal lover, integrating sensuousness and mysticism.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Fine Art |
| Book | An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II |
| Chapter | Chapter 2 — The Rajasthani Schools of Painting 2 |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 417 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the geographical and historical context of Rajasthani Schools of Painting.
- Differentiate between the terms 'Rajput Paintings' and 'Rajasthani Schools'.
- Identify the materials and techniques used in Rajasthani miniature paintings.
- Recognize the collaborative nature of painting as a craft.
- Appreciate the thematic influences, particularly the Bhakti movement and Krishna cults.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Thikanas | Feudal estates or principalities in Rajput states. |
| Princely kingdoms | States ruled by princes or kings. |
| Ambit | Scope or extent. |
| Indigenous | Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. |
| Mannerism | An artistic style characterized by exaggerated or stylized features. |
| Waslis | Layered, thin sheets of handmade paper glued together for painting. |
| Burnished | Polished by rubbing, typically to give a smooth, shiny surface. |
| Resplendence | Brilliance; radiant splendor. |
| Vaishnavism | A major tradition of Hinduism focused on the worship of Vishnu and his avatars. |
| Bhakti movement | A devotional movement that swept across India, emphasizing love and devotion to God. |
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Practice questions
- What geographical region is covered by the term 'Rajasthani Schools of Painting'? Answer: It pertains to the princely kingdoms and thikanas of what roughly constitutes Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
- Who coined the term 'Rajput Paintings' and when? Answer: Scholar Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term 'Rajput Paintings' in 1916.
- What is the modern nomenclature used for these schools of painting? Answer: Specific categories like Rajasthani and Pahari are employed instead of 'Rajput Schools'.
- What material was used for painting, and how were colors obtained? Answer: Paintings were done on 'waslis' (layered handmade paper). Color pigments were predominantly obtained from minerals and precious metals.
- What was the role of the master artist in the painting process? Answer: The master artist composed and did preliminary drawings, and put the finishing touches.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The term 'Rajasthani Schools of Painting' primarily refers to art from which regions?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the term pertains to the princely kingdoms and thikanas of what roughly constitutes Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Q2. Anand Coomaraswamy coined the term 'Rajput Paintings' in 1916 to differentiate them from which other school of painting?
Explanation: Coomaraswamy coined the term 'Rajput Paintings' specifically to categorize and differentiate this group from the much known Mughal School of Painting.
Q3. What is the term for the layered, thin sheets of handmade paper used for painting in these schools?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that 'Paintings were painted on waslis — layered, thin sheets of handmade papers glued together'.
Q4. Which deity was particularly popular and depicted as both God and an ideal lover in the themes of Rajasthani paintings?
Explanation: The chapter highlights that 'Krishna had a special appeal. He was not only worshipped as God but also as an ideal lover.'
Q5. What binding medium was mixed with color pigments obtained from minerals and precious metals?
Explanation: The text states that 'Colour pigments were predominantly obtained from minerals and precious metals like gold and silver that were mixed with glue as the binding medium.'
Q6. The painting activity in Rajasthani schools was characterized by:
Explanation: The chapter describes the painting activity as 'a kind of teamwork, with the master artist composing and doing preliminary drawings, followed by pupils or experts...'
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary geographical area associated with the Rajasthani Schools of Painting?
The Rajasthani Schools of Painting are associated with the princely kingdoms and thikanas of what is now Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Why was the term 'Rajput Paintings' initially used?
Scholar Anand Coomaraswamy coined 'Rajput Paintings' in 1916 to refer to these schools, as most patrons were Rajputs, and to differentiate them from the Mughal School of Painting.
Is the term 'Rajput Paintings' still in use?
No, the term 'Rajput Schools' is now considered obsolete. Instead, specific categories like Rajasthani and Pahari are employed.
What kind of paper was used for these paintings?
Paintings were created on 'waslis', which are layered, thin sheets of handmade papers glued together.
How were the colors for Rajasthani paintings obtained?
Color pigments were predominantly derived from minerals and precious metals like gold and silver.
What was the role of the master artist in the painting process?
The master artist was responsible for composing the painting, doing the preliminary drawings, and applying the finishing touches.
What major religious movement influenced the themes of Rajasthani paintings?
The Bhakti movement, particularly the cults of Rama and Krishna, significantly influenced the themes of Rajasthani paintings.
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NCERT Class 12 Fine Art — An Introduction to Indian Art Part-II — Chapter 2 — The Rajasthani Schools of Painting 2. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.