The recent inauguration of the Wall of Peace, a modern mural art on the 700-feet long compound wall of Government Vocational Higher Secondary School in Cherpulassery, Kerala has brought to light the rich tradition of mural painting in India. Indian Mural Paintings, often seen on the walls of caves and palaces, hold a unique place in the country’s cultural heritage.
The Historical Significance of Indian Mural Painting
The earliest evidence of Indian mural paintings can be traced back to the beautiful frescoes painted on the caves of Ajanta and Ellora, as well as the Bagh caves and Sittanvasal cave. These ancient works of art were revered in old scripts and literature due to their exquisite design and execution. Notable figures like the courtesan Amrapali of Vaishali employed painters to create murals of kings, traders and merchants on her palace walls, further solidifying the cultural significance of this art form.
The Technique of Indian Wall Paintings
The technique of Indian wall painting is steeped in tradition. The process, detailed in the 5th/6th-century Sanskrit text Vishnudharamotaram, generally remains consistent among early examples, with the Rajarajeshwara temple at Tanjore being a notable exception. The majority of colours used were locally sourced, and brushes were made from animal hair. The ground was prepared with a layer of lime plaster before being adorned with watercolour paintings. Fresco method was used for most of them, where the painting is done while the surface is still wet.
Understanding Murals and Fresco
A mural is artwork that is directly applied or painted on a wall, ceiling, or any other large, permanent surface. While fresco is a specific type of mural painting technique where the painting is done on a still wet surface so the pigment seeps into the surface. This method ensures the longevity of the artwork.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs) on Wall Mural Art in UPSC Civil Service Examinations
In 2018, the UPSC Civil Services Exam included a question about the “Bani Thani” painting, which belongs to the Kishangarh School in Central Rajasthan. In contrast to other schools like the Bundi School, Jaipur School and Kangra School, the painting style of the Kishangarh School evolved around the 18th century.
The 2015 exam featured a question about Kalamkari painting, a form of hand painting on cotton or silk fabric using natural dyes and a tamarind pen. This technique is commonly practiced in South Indian states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
In 2013, a question addressed the mural paintings present in the Ajanta Caves, Lepakshi Temple and Sanchi Stupa. While the mural paintings are found in Ajanta Caves and Lepakshi Temple, Sanchi Stupa does not have any mural paintings.
Finally, in 2010, a question pertained to the surviving cave paintings from the Gupta period in India. Bagh caves, apart from Ajanta Caves, house the surviving examples of Gupta period paintings.
Conclusion
Thus, India’s tradition of mural painting exemplifies the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
