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Deccan School of Painting: Bijapur’s Vibrant Tradition, & Golconda Flourishing Prosperity

December 23, 2023 801 0

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.

Sultan Ibrahim Adil Shah II

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.
Nujum al-Ulum
Nujum al-Ulum: The Throne of Prosperity, Bijapur, 1570

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.
Dancing before Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah
Dancing before Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Golconda, 1590

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.

Ragini Pathamsika of Raga Hindola

Composite Horse

Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah

Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya and Amir Khusrau

 

Chand Bibi playing Polo

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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