Leo Martínez
The history of paint in India is a long and fascinating one, with the earliest Indian paintings being prehistoric rock paintings found in places like the Bhimbetka rock shelters, some of which date back over 10,000 years. These ancient paintings were made using natural pigments, such as earth ochres, charcoal, and minerals, with colours including various shades of red and orange, as well as green and yellow. Over time, Indian art evolved and was influenced by a range of different cultures and religions, including Persian, Arabic, and British colonial styles. During the medieval period, egg tempera, made by mixing pigments with water and egg, was introduced, allowing artists to create new effects with their paintings. Indian artists have also used a range of bases for their pigments, including cloth, wood, limestone, and palm leaves, with each period of Indian history leaving its mark on the country's rich artistic traditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Base | Cloth pasted over a wooden base |
| First layer | Chalk powder or zinc oxide mixed with water-soluble adhesive |
| Wall treatment | Limestone mixture |
| Paint | Minerals, earth ochres, terra verte (green earth clays with iron silicate), lapis lazuli, egg tempera (pigments mixed with water and egg), natural pigments (moss, chewed ends of branches, fingers), carbon black or bone black mixed with glue, Indian yellow (from animal urine), linseed or walnut oil |
| Themes | Hindu gods and goddesses, scenes from Hindu mythology, Buddhist and Jain religious art, everyday life (e.g. hunting, dancing) |
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What You'll Learn
- Paint in ancient India was made from natural pigments, including minerals like verdigris and terra verte
- Rock paintings from prehistoric times used pigments like earth ochre, charcoal, and calcium
- During the medieval period, egg tempera was used, mixing pigments with water and egg
- Indian yellow, introduced from Persia in the 15th century, was made from the urine of animals fed on turmeric
- In the modern era, Tanjore paintings use chalk powder or zinc oxide mixed with water-soluble adhesive
Paint in ancient India was made from natural pigments, including minerals like verdigris and terra verte
India has a long history of ancient painting, with the earliest Indian paintings being rock paintings from prehistoric times. These rock shelters, such as the ones found in Bhimbetka, date back to over 10,000 years ago and feature colours derived from minerals, specifically various shades of red and orange.
In addition to the use of natural pigments, ancient Indian paintings also showcased a variety of themes and styles. For example, the Tanjore paintings of the Chola period in the 9th century featured elegant and detailed artwork depicting Hindu gods and goddesses. Similarly, the murals and paintings found in the Ajanta Caves, which date back to the 2nd century BCE, showcase the religious themes of Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism.
The Mughal era also brought about a new style of painting, fusing Persian miniatures with older Indian traditions. This period, marked by the reign of Emperor Akbar, saw the employment of hundreds of talented Indian artists who worked under the direction of Iranian court painters, resulting in a blend of realism and Indian artistic traditions.
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Rock paintings from prehistoric times used pigments like earth ochre, charcoal, and calcium
The history of Indian painting goes back to prehistoric times, with rock paintings being the earliest examples of Indian art. The rock shelters of Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh are home to some of the oldest known rock paintings, dating back over 10,000 years. These paintings depict the everyday lives of ancient people, including hunting, dancing, and body decoration, as well as animals such as bison, bears, and tigers.
Rock paintings from prehistoric times used pigments derived from natural sources. Specifically, these pigments included earth ochre, charcoal, and calcium. The use of earth pigments is evident in the various shades of red and orange found in the paintings, with occasional use of green and yellow. These colours were obtained from minerals and mixed with natural binders like spit or fat to create paint.
The prehistoric palette of paints was made from pigments obtained from the earth. The earliest pigments included earth pigments like ochre and umber, charcoal in the form of carbon black and bone black, and white calcium. People would travel long distances to obtain these pigments, and the mining industry is believed to have originated from the quest for earth pigments.
In addition to the rock paintings, India has a rich history of mural paintings found in natural caves and rock-cut chambers. These murals, dating from the 2nd century BC to the 8th-10th century AD, feature religious themes from Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions. The creation of these murals involved treating the walls with a smooth batter of limestone before applying paint. The colours used varied from earth ochres to terra verte and lapis lazuli.
Over time, the techniques for creating paint became more sophisticated. During the medieval period, egg tempera was introduced, involving the mixing of pigments with water and egg. This allowed artists to create new effects, and the meticulous application of thin layers of paint resulted in the highly polished finish characteristic of medieval paintings.
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During the medieval period, egg tempera was used, mixing pigments with water and egg
Indian painting has a rich and ancient history, with the earliest examples being prehistoric rock paintings found in the Bhimbetka rock shelters, dating back approximately 10,000 to 12,000 years. During the medieval period, Indian art flourished, and a new medium called egg tempera was introduced. This involved mixing pigments with water and egg, creating a paint with a short shelf life but one that allowed artists to achieve new effects.
The medieval period saw a shift from the use of earth pigments, which had been commonly used in prehistoric times, to more advanced techniques. Artists during this time would create their own pigments using a variety of materials. For example, to create red hues, they used natural red earth, crimson, or even rust. Yellow was derived from natural dyes like turmeric and saffron or pigments such as yellow ochre. Green was obtained from the mineral malachite, which was ground into a powder, while blue was often sourced from azurite. White pigment was made from chalk.
The process of creating murals during this time was meticulous. Artists would first treat the wall with a smooth batter of limestone mixture, and then quickly apply paint over the next few days while the wall was still wet. The colours and shades varied, including earth ochres, terra verte (green earth clays with iron silicate), and lapis lazuli.
Medieval Indian painters also created miniature paintings in manuscripts, which were illuminated with gold or silver leaf. These manuscripts were made with all-natural materials, including parchment made from animal skins and covers crafted from dried animal hides. The paint used in these manuscripts was often egg tempera, which was popular due to its luminosity, fine detail, and jewel-like appearance.
In addition to egg tempera, other binding agents were used during the medieval period. Gum Arabic, for instance, was added to give the paint a shiny appearance, while sugar or honey was included to prevent the paint from becoming too brittle. These natural binders were mixed with pigments to create a wide range of colours, allowing artists to explore new artistic effects and techniques.
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Indian yellow, introduced from Persia in the 15th century, was made from the urine of animals fed on turmeric
Indian paintings have a long and rich history, with the earliest known Indian paintings being prehistoric rock paintings, some of which are over 10,000 years old. The history of Indian painting has been influenced by a range of cultures and religions, including Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, as well as Persian and Western influences.
Indian yellow, a deep mustard yellow pigment, was introduced to India from Persia in the 15th century. This pigment was made from the urine of animals, mainly cows, that were fed a diet of mango leaves and water, with some sources mentioning the addition of a little turmeric. The urine would be collected and dried, resulting in hard, dirty yellow balls of the raw pigment, called "purree". The production process of Indian yellow was allegedly inhumane, leading to the malnourishment of the cows, and it was outlawed in the early 20th century due to concerns about animal cruelty.
The pigment Indian yellow was widely used in Indian art, cloth dyeing, and other products. It was noted for its intense luminance and was particularly popular in Rajput-Mughal miniature paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries. It may have also been used in wall paintings and other art forms. The distinct odour of Indian yellow, resembling cow urine, was noted by artists and investigators.
The origin and manufacture of Indian yellow were disputed for many years due to variations in the sources, which included both pure materials and mixtures of different salts, dyes, and substances of plant and animal origin. It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that systematic inquiries and scientific analyses were conducted to determine its composition and origin.
The decline in the production of Indian yellow began in the 1920s, likely due to the growing concerns about animal cruelty and the inhumane conditions endured by the cows during the production process.
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In the modern era, Tanjore paintings use chalk powder or zinc oxide mixed with water-soluble adhesive
Indian paintings have a rich and long history. The earliest Indian paintings were rock paintings from prehistoric times, with some of the Stone Age rock paintings found in the Bhimbetka rock shelters dating back approximately 10,000 years. The history of Indian murals starts in ancient and early medieval times, from the 2nd century BC to the 8th–10th century AD.
Tanjore paintings, also known as Thanjavur paintings, are a classical South Indian painting style native to the town of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. This art form dates back to the 9th century, a period dominated by the Chola rulers, who encouraged art and literature. Tanjore paintings are known for their elegance, intricate details, vibrant and rich colours, and attention to detail. The themes for most of these paintings are Hindu gods and goddesses, and scenes from Hindu mythology.
In the modern era, Tanjore paintings continue to be made, although the materials used have evolved and changed. Traditionally, the paint used was made from natural pigments such as vegetable and mineral dyes, but nowadays, artists use poster paints to achieve the characteristic vibrant and rich colour palette. The base of the painting is typically made from a wooden board, and a mixture of edible gum, chalk powder, and limestone is used for embossing to add height and depth. The gold, a distinguishing feature of Tanjore paintings, is usually applied to the embossed part of the canvas in the form of sheets or leaves. The paintings are also adorned with precious and semi-precious gems and stones, such as Kundan stones and Swarovski crystals, adding depth, texture, and a touch of elegance to the artwork.
The process of creating a Tanjore painting involves many stages. Firstly, a preliminary sketch of the image is made on the base, which consists of a cloth pasted over a wooden base. Then, chalk powder or zinc oxide is mixed with a water-soluble adhesive and applied on the base. A mild abrasive may be used to make the base smoother. Finally, the decoration of the jewellery and apparel in the image is done, along with the application of gold and precious stones.
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Frequently asked questions
The earliest Indian paintings were rock paintings made with natural pigments. Some of the earliest pigments used were earth pigments like ochre and umber, charcoal, and white (calcium).
The colours used in these paintings were primarily red and white, with occasional use of green and yellow.
The earliest Indian paintings have been found in the Bhimbetka rock shelters in Madhya Pradesh, with some paintings dating back to 12,000 years ago.
During the medieval period, Indian artists used a new medium called egg tempera, made by mixing pigments with water and egg. The colours and shades varied from earth ochres to terra verte and lapis lazuli.
Indian yellow, introduced to India from Persia in the 15th century, was made from the urine of animals fed on turmeric. Verdigris, a toxic copper mineral, was another unique pigment used in the medieval age.
