Deccan School of Painting: Bijapur’s Unique Artistic Tradition

The Deccan School of Painting, specifically the Bijapur School, originated in the Deccan region during the 16th and 17th centuries, embodies a unique artistic tradition. Characterized by vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and a fusion of Persian and indigenous styles, it flourished under the Adil Shahi Sultanate, leaving behind a distinctive mark on Indian art history.

Bijapur School’s Artistic Splendor: Illuminating the Deccan School of Painting

• Encyclopedia: The Bijapur School is renowned for the richly illustrated encyclopedia, Nujum al-Ulum (1570).
  • The volume comprises 876 miniatures. 
  • Themes range from depicting weapons and utensils to constellations.
• Characteristics: Female figures in the miniatures portrayed in South Indian attire, Exude elegance, resembling figures from Ragamala paintings.
  • The school thrived under the patronage of Ali Adil Shah I (1558–1580), Ibrahim II (1580–1627), who was also an Indian music enthusiast and penned Nauras-nama.
  • Bijapur’s artistry was influenced by its ties with Turkey, evident in the astronomical illustrations in Nujum al-Ulum, possibly inspired by Ottoman Turkish manuscripts.
  • The Ragamala paintings are predominantly Indian, with traces of the Lepakshi style.
  • They encapsulate the opulent aesthetics of the Adil Shah court with vibrant colouring and dynamic compositions.

Deccan School of Painting: Symbolism in Art – “The Throne of Prosperity”

• Multifaceted Symbolism: A symbolic representation showcasing a seven-tiered auspicious throne.
  • Each level is supported by varying entities, from elephants, tigers, and peacocks, to primitive tribes.
• The foundational designs are reminiscent of:
  • Gujarati Architectural Inspirations: Gujarati homes have wood-carved doorways and facades.
  • Deccani temples.
• Islamic Persian Influence: The colour scheme and arabesques reflect the Islamic Persian tradition.
• Distinctive Features: It include Deccani foliage set against a deep blue sky and stylized plants that resemble margin decorations in early sixteenth-century Gujarati manuscripts.

Deccan School of Painting: The Uncommon Spiritual Subject – “Yogini”

• The Uncommon Subject: The Yogini, an embodiment of spiritual discipline and renunciation, is an uncommon and extraordinary subject.
• While the artist remains unidentified, the artwork stands out for:
  • Its vertical composition.
  • The Yogini’s engagement with a myna bird suggests a dialogue.
  • Rich adornments and a distinct hair bun that accentuates her stature.
  • Flowing scarves and surrounding flora enhance the visual appeal.

Golconda School of Painting: Flourishing Prosperity and Artistic Influence in the Deccan School of Painting

• Golconda became an autonomous state in 1512 and by the late sixteenth century emerged as the wealthiest Deccan kingdom.
• Factors contributing to its prosperity
  • Trade from ports along the east coast, exporting iron and cotton to South East Asia.
  • Extensive commerce with Persia, especially painted cottons, became sought-after in Europe.
  • Discovery of diamonds in the early seventeenth century.

Deccan School of Painting: Characteristics and Artistic Elements in Golconda School

• Distinctive Gold Jewellery: A noticeable feature in Golconda’s art is the gold jewellery adorned by both genders.
• Global Recognition: The school’s artistry gained popularity when Dutch merchants transported sultan portraits to Europe in the late seventeenth century.
• Commercial and Artistic Fusion: These portraits referenced royal paintings and were likely created for the bazaar.
  • Early Golconda paintings, from around 1635–1650, were grand, often eight feet tall, intended as wall hangings, and typically showcased figures within architectural backdrops.

Deccan School of Painting: Golconda Artworks and Their Unique Features

• The earliest recognised Golconda artworks are five miniatures from the Diwan of Hafiz (1463).
  • These depict courtly scenes with a young ruler, characterised by his long Deccani sword.
  • These paintings are rich in gold, often against a deep blue sky, and feature entertainment in the form of dancing girls.
  • The paintings notably lack Mughal influence, evident in their use of the colour purple and occasionally blue-toned animals, such as blue foxes.
• A portrait of Muhammad Qutb Shah (1611–1626) displays the sultan in traditional Golconda attire.
  • This artwork combines the strict symmetry of earlier works with evident Mughal influences, particularly in the detailed drapery.
  • A manuscript of a Sufi poem, embellished with over 20 miniatures, exhibits lavish use of gold.
  • Distinctive elements include skies painted in gold and blue bands, costumes reflecting trends under Ibrahim II of Bijapur, and uniquely coloured Deccani trees.