Classification of Indian Painting: Miniature Paintings in India

  • The word ‘miniature’ is derived from the Latin word ‘Minium’, which means red lead paint. 
  • Miniatures are small and detailed paintings. 
  • Condition for making miniature painting
    • The painting should not be larger than 25 square inches. 
    • The subject of the painting would be painted in not more than one-sixth of the actual size
  • Characteristics of Miniature Paintings
    • The human figurine is seen with the side profile.
    • They usually have bulging eyes, pointed nose and slim waist. 
    • In the Rajasthani miniatures, the skin colour of the characters is brown, while in the Mughal paintings they are generally fairer. 
    • Furthermore, the colour of divine beings like Lord Krishna is blue. 
    • The women figurines have long hair and the colour of their eyes and hair are generally black. 
    • Men wear traditional clothes and have a turban on their head.
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