Later Mural TraditionsClass 11 Fine Arts NCERT Solutions
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Q1Exercise
What are the main features of Badami cave paintings?
Solution
The Badami cave paintings, patronised by the Chalukya king Mangalesha in the 6th century CE, represent an extension of the mural tradition from Ajanta into South India. The main features of these paintings are:
- Theme: The paintings primarily depict palace scenes. One surviving fragment shows King Kirtivarman, his wife, and feudatories watching a dance performance, with figures of Indra and his retinue also present.
- Stylistic Characteristics: The style is noted for its sinuously drawn lines, fluid forms, and compact compositions, which demonstrate the artistic maturity of the period.
- Figure Depiction: The faces are drawn gracefully, reminiscent of the modeling style in Ajanta. Key features include large eye sockets, half-closed eyes, and protruding lips.
- Creation of Volume: A noteworthy feature is the artist's ability to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality using simple line treatments. The contours of different parts of the face create protruding structures, giving depth to the figures.
Q2Exercise
Write an essay on Vijayanagara paintings.
Solution
The Vijayanagara Dynasty, which ruled from the 14th to the 16th centuries, continued the tradition of mural painting in South India. Their paintings are found in various temples, with significant examples at Tiruparakunram, the Virupaksha temple in Hampi, and the Shiva temple in Lepakshi.
Themes and Narratives:
Vijayanagara paintings often narrate events from dynastic history and episodes from epic texts. In Hampi, for instance, ceiling paintings depict the spiritual teacher Vidyaranya being carried in a procession, as well as scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the incarnations of Vishnu.
Stylistic Features:
The Vijayanagara painters developed a distinct pictorial language. Key characteristics include:
- Profile Views: Faces are typically shown in profile, but with large, frontal eyes.
- Figure Proportions: Figures are depicted with narrow waists.
- Two-Dimensionality: Figures and objects are rendered in a two-dimensional style.
- Composition: Compositions are often organized in rectilinear compartments, creating a structured narrative panel.
- Linework: The lines are described as still yet fluid.
Legacy and Influence:
The stylistic conventions established during the Vijayanagara period were highly influential. They were adopted and adapted by artists in various centers across South India, most notably forming the basis for the subsequent Nayaka school of painting. The paintings at Lepakshi are considered glorious examples of this style, which prioritized a flat, linear, and compartmentalized pictorial language.
Q3Exercise
Describe the mural traditions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Solution
The mural traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala evolved over several centuries under the patronage of various dynasties, each contributing distinct stylistic elements.
Mural Tradition in Tamil Nadu
The tradition of painting in Tamil Nadu flourished under the Pallava, Pandya, Chola, and later the Nayaka kings.
- Pallava Period (7th Century): Patronised by kings like Mahendravarma I and Rajsimha, Pallava paintings are found in temples at Panamalai and Kanchipuram. They feature graceful figures, large and round faces, rhythmic lines, and increased ornamentation. The torso depiction is elongated but follows earlier sculptural traditions.
- Pandya Period (9th Century): Surviving examples are found in Jaina caves at Sittanvasal. These paintings are known for their firmly drawn contours, subtle modeling, and depiction of movement, as seen in the dancing celestial nymphs. A characteristic feature is the slightly elongated eyes that sometimes protrude from the face.
- Chola Period (9th-13th Century): The Brihadeswara temple at Thanjavur houses the most important Chola paintings. They exhibit stylistic maturity with sinuous lines, supple modeling, and elongated figures. The themes are predominantly related to Lord Shiva, such as Shiva in Kailash and as Nataraja.
- Nayaka Period (17th-18th Century): This style was largely an extension of the Vijayanagara school. Figures are shown in profile against a flat background, with slim waists. The paintings narrate episodes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Krishna-leela.
Mural Tradition in Kerala
The Kerala mural tradition (16th to 18th century) developed a unique pictorial language, though it adopted some elements from the Nayaka and Vijayanagara schools.
- Unique Style: Kerala painters took inspiration from contemporary traditions like Kathakali and the ritual floor painting known as kalam ezhuthu. This resulted in a vibrant and distinct style.
- Characteristics: The paintings are characterized by the use of vibrant and luminous colors and the depiction of human figures with a sense of three-dimensionality.
- Themes: The themes are largely based on Hindu mythology, especially local versions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata and stories popular in Kerala.
- Locations: These murals are found on the walls of temple shrines and palaces, such as the Dutch palace in Kochi and the Krishnapuram palace. Important sites include the Pundareekapuram Krishna temple and the Triprayar Sri Rama temple.