Kishangarh

Sessions:  3
Hrs per Session:  2

Kishangarh Art is a refined style of Rajasthani miniature painting that originated in the 18th century in the princely state of Kishangarh, Rajasthan.

Influenced heavily by Mughal and Persian artistic traditions, it flourished under royal patronage, particularly through the works of artists like Nihal Chand, who famously portrayed King Sawant Singh and Bani Thani as Krishna and Radha.Deeply rooted in themes of Vaishnavism, Sufism, and poetic devotion, the paintings often depict religious narratives, royal life, and lush landscapes with stylized figures marked by elongated features, lotus-shaped eyes, and elegant attire.

Artists used handmade wasli paper and natural pigments derived from minerals, stones, and plants, applying colors with fine brushes made from squirrel hair. The process involved meticulous sketching, coloring, detailing, and burnishing, with touches of gold and silver to enhance opulence.

Today, artists like Shehzad Ali and his family continue to preserve and promote this heritage art, adapting it for modern appreciation while honoring its traditional roots.