Deccani Painting: 16th to 19th Century

• Deccani painting spanned from the late 16th to the late 17th century
• This was the time the Mughals established dominance over the Deccan
• The art style extended from the 19th-century Asaf Jahi dynasty to the provincial rulers and Nawabs
• Under the Nizams of Hyderabad, this art form evolved, developing its distinct identity

Key Features of Deccani Painting

• Influence of Mughal and Persian Art

• Natural elements incorporated beautifully

• Depictions of courtly life and royal attire

• Deccani painting was considered as an “Indo-Persian style”

• It was inspired by Safavid art from the Middle East

• There were influences from Persian and Turkish painting styles

• Elements of Mughal painting were present

Perspective of Art Historians

• Art historians recognized this style as distinct
• They did not acknowledge it as an independent school of painting.

Royal Patronage

• Deccan rulers preserved and promoted this art form

• Their political and cultural vision helped enrich Deccani painting

• During the 16th–17th centuries, a unique painting style flourished under various Deccan rulers

• These rulers were in the plateau regions of South India

• The rulers of Bijapur, Golconda, and Ahmednagar refined and elevated this painting style

• This made it highly sophisticated and distinctive

• The art blended regional and cultural elements beautifully

Key Features

• Exquisite grace and refined aesthetics are key features
• Vibrant yet soft colors are used
• Natural expression of love and emotions are compositional elements

Nature & Aesthetic Depictions

• Artists created a romantic atmosphere through dense, harmonious compositions.

• They brought out an organic and effortless expression of beauty.

• The earliest evidence of Deccani painting originates from Ahmednagar

• It is from the poetry collection of Hussain Nizam Shah I (1553–65)

Depiction of War Scenes & Artistic Detailing

• Twelve miniature paintings illustrate battle scenes
• They lack significant artistic refinement

Queen’s Wedding

• Paintings depict the queen’s wedding
• They are visually striking due to vivid colors and delicate linework
• These paintings evoke a sense of aesthetic charm and artistic satisfaction

Portrait of a Young Woman & North Indian Influence

• Attire and depiction of a young woman resembles early Mughal paintings from Malwa and Ahmedabad

• The influence of North Indian traditions is evident

• Some local adaptations are also seen

• Women’s attire is illustrated beautifully in the Ragamala painting series of Deccan

• The development of 16th-century Deccani painting is clearly visible in these artworks

Hairstyle & South Indian Influence

• Depiction of women’s hair buns, resting on the nape of the neck, is reminiscent of Lepakshi murals

Horizon & Background Representation

• Paintings lack a horizon, featuring a colorless, neutral background
• The background is adorned with small plants or domed structures, adding a decorative element

Other Influences

• Apart from the hairstyle, all other elements showcase North Indian and Persian artistic influences

Men’s Attire & Foreign Influences

• The men’s clothing is distinctly North Indian in style
• The long, pointed tunic (Jama) is a prominent feature in pre-Akbari miniature painting
• The paintings were likely created in the region between Delhi and Ahmedabad

Akbari Influence & Bukhara Style

• The depiction of small turbans reflects the early Akbari miniature painting influence
• This style also appears in the 1567 ‘Gulistan’ manuscript, painted by artists from Bukhara

Role of Foreign Artists

• There is possibility that some Bukhara painters contributed to Deccani painting
• A manuscript preserved in Bankipur Library, Patna, provides evidence of this

Notable Signed Manuscript (1569)

• The manuscript is signed by the artist Yusuf and dedicated to Ibrahim Adil Shah
• Contains seven miniature paintings, all entirely in the Bukhara style

Dynasty & Patronage

• This manuscript possibly created under the patronage of Ibrahim Qutb Shah of Golconda (r. 1550–80)
• One significant manuscript of Bijapur painting is the 1570 CE illustrated encyclopedia, ‘Nujum-al-Ulum’
• It contains 876 miniature paintings, depicting utensils, weapons, and celestial bodies

Depiction of Women

• The women are depicted tall and slender, resembling the Ragamala painting style
• Their attire reflects South Indian influences, showcasing the regional impact on the art

Royal Patronage & Artistic Flourishing

• The Bijapur painting style thrived under the patronage of Ali Adil Shah I (1558–80) and Ibrahim II (1580–1627)

• Both rulers were great patrons of art and literature, helping the style evolve and flourish

• Ibrahim II was a keen scholar of Indian music

• He authored the book ‘Nauras-Nama’

• He also wrote ‘Nujum-al-Ulum,’ a significant text on astronomy and scriptures

Ragamala Painting

• In 1590 CE, a series of Ragamala paintings was created, showcasing the artistic advancements of his reign

Turkish & Astronomical Influence

• Bijapur’s connections with Turkey are evident in its astronomical paintings
• These artworks strongly reflect Turkish manuscript art

Indian Spiritual Influence in Ragamala Paintings

• The spiritual and emotional depth of Ragamala paintings clearly shows Indian influences
• Elements of the Lepakshi style are also visible, highlighting the rich local cultural heritage

The Elegant Court Paintings of Bijapur

• The paintings exhibit vibrant colors, bold lines, and fluid compositions
• Reflects a high level of aesthetic sensitivity

Five Symbolic Representations

• Elephant: Represents power & royal influence
• Lion: Represents courage & strength
• Palm Tree: Represents fertility & life
• Peacock
• Tribal Figures: Represent diversity & cultural inclusion

Stylistic References & Historical Influences

• This series of paintings resembles the intricately carved wooden panels on Gujarati doorways
• It also evokes the stepped elephant carvings seen in Deccan temples

Islamic Persian & Indian Influences

• The color scheme is entirely inspired by the Islamic Persian style

Fusion of Deccani & Indian Styles

• An exquisite blend of floral motifs in the Deccani style can be observed around the throne
• This depiction is rooted in Indian pictorial traditions, adding a unique artistic depth

Gujarati Manuscripts Similarity

• The stylized trees and plants flanking the throne resemble the marginal designs of 16th-century Gujarati manuscripts

Indian Visual Tradition

• The artwork upholds pictorial traditions while maintaining the structural finesse of miniature painting
• A Yogini embodies the essence of yoga, embracing physical and mental discipline

Symbolism

• She renounces worldly attachments in pursuit of higher spiritual and intellectual realization
• This painting, created by an unknown artist, reflects the distinct evolution of their personal style

Composition

• A vertical composition has been used to depict the Yogini, symbolizing her spiritual elevation

Royal Patronage and Recognition of Artists

• The rulers of the Deccan Sultanates (Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmadnagar, and Hyderabad) played a significant role in promoting this art form
• They employed and honored painters, allowing them creative freedom

Diversity and Historical Significance

• Human Figures: Elongated, delicate faces, large expressive eyes, and intricate ornamentation
• Historical and Religious Themes: Portrays Sufi traditions, court life, romantic depictions, and battle scenes
• Persian and Ottoman Influence: Safavid and Ottoman artistic elements can be observed

Artistic Characteristics

• Detailed and Precise Depiction: Known for fine lines, elegant costumes, and exquisite jewelry

• Natural Elements: Includes lush landscapes, trees, birds, and water bodies, creating a vibrant effect

• Use of Gold and Bright Colors: Gold and silver were often used to enhance the grandeur and richness

  In the upper right corner, a white conical object symbolizes mystery and spiritual energy She is seen playing with a bird, representing her deep connection with nature and freedom The Yogini painting serves as a remarkable example of the union between spirituality, beauty, and nature

• There are many elements of harmony

Yogini's Attire and Adornments

• Her highly coiled bun atop her head makes her appear more striking
• A long, flowing dupatta swirls around her body, creating a sense of movement and rhythm

Aesthetic appeal

• The foreground is adorned with beautifully illustrated flowers and plants

• This is there to add visual charm and balance to the composition

• Golkonda was an independent state from 1512

• By the late 16th century, it became the wealthiest Deccan dynasty because...

• Its prosperity was driven by maritime trade with foreign nations

• Iron and cotton textiles were exported from the eastern coast to Southwest Asia

Cotton & Textiles

• Printed cotton fabrics were particularly traded with Persia (Iran)
• These textiles later became popular in Western Europe, influencing the global textile industry
• In the early 17th century, the discovery of diamonds in Golkonda boosted trade

Opulence in Jewelry

• The grandeur of dancers and courtiers was reflected in ornate jewelry
• The depiction of regal life was prominent in Golkonda painting

Global Recognition of Golkonda Paintings

• In the 17th century, Dutch traders displayed portraits of Golkonda’s rulers in Europe
• This led to international recognition of Golkonda’s artistic and cultural richness

Bazaar & Market Art

• Golkonda paintings were created for the market
• There was a deep connection with royal court art
• Popular among common people and the royal elite

Large Canvas & Architecture - 1635-1650

• Large canvas panels (pat) were created, often eight feet tall
• These artworks were designed making them striking

Integration of Architecture & Design

• These paintings strongly reflected cultural design influences
• They often depicted architectural elements and geometric patterns

Evidence of Early Paintings

• The earliest known five Golkonda miniatures were found in the 1463 manuscript of Hafez’s Diwan
• A prominent illustration features a young ruler seated on a throne.
• Holds a long, straight Deccani sword, symbolizing power and valor

Ruler's Adornments

• He is wearing a white muslin coat adorned with vertical embroidered bands.
• Luxurious use of gold is prominent

Splendor

• Across these paintings, gold dominates the sky, architecture, and attire
• This reflect Golkonda’s wealth and the splendor of its royal court

Golkonda's Royal Court

• Performances by dancers and acrobatics were a major attraction
• Unique costumes and grand decoration were important aspects of the dances

Visuals

• Depiction of overlapping fabric layers in dancing attire makes these paintings fascinating
• A richly adorned carpet with intricate patterns enhances the regal ambiance

Distinctive Use of Colors

• Unlike Mughal paintings, Golkonda art retains a unique artistic identity
• Liberal use of purple adds depth and grandeur to the compositions
• Some murals feature blue foxes and jackals: this adds mystery

Portraiture

• The depiction of poet Muhammad Ali seated in a lush garden displays elegance
• Similar sophistication and technical approach to 1590's paintings

Sufi Manuscripts

• Verses are depicted with around 20 miniature paintings
• Lavish use of gold gives the paintings a divine and majestic aura

Sky Depiction:

• There are bands of blue and gold
• Gold appears beneath the blue creating a striking effect
• Delicate clouds are present giving it softness
• One painting portrays a woman conversing with a bird

The Composite Horse ( Golconda Sub School)

• Human, animal, and bird figures are intricately arranged to form the shape of a horse.
• A decorative, swirling background enhances energy
• Flying birds (Cranes), Chinese-style clouds, and rocky landscapes are all woven together

Color Palette

• A restricted palette of browns and blues adds a sense of depth
• The Blend is of imagination and symbolism, making the painting a spiritual and mystical experience

Sultan Ibrahim & Nature

• The Sultan's garments add to the vivid and immersive experience
• The lush green forest creates a background
• The composition of nature and spontaneity

Persian Influence

• The depiction of the horse and rocky terrain reflects Persian influences

Native Indian Tradition

• The dense landscape and foliage in the foreground highlight native Indian artistic traditions
• Preserved at the National Museum, New Delhi, this painting is great exmample of the Ragamala tradition
• This artwork incorporates elements of Deccani painting

Influence in Music & Art

• Developed parallel to Mughal miniature painting, incorporates distinct elements of Deccani painting
• Deccan Sultanates nurtured a rich artistic tradition, which is vividly reflected in this masterpiece

Persian and Indian Blends - “Ragini of Raga Hindol”

• Developed by Ahmednagar, with Dome Decorations
• The upper section of the painting features two domes adorned with intricate floral patterns, a Persian art landmark
• The balance and symmetry of the composition is crucial for artful design

Indian Scripting

• They are Devanagari inscriptions, they connect to Indian traditions

Significance in Color & Hues “Ragini of Raga Hindol”

• The Main color is Red, used to dominate the energy
• The Green is for balance and provides harmonic intensity

Ajanta Influence

• The figures are emphasized using strong contour lines, enhancing their clarity

• Symbolic Significance of the Elephant

• The trunk is raised showcasing a welcome and and auspicious vision in Indian tradition

  In the left-hand corner, an elephant with a raised trunk is depicted A radiant halo encircles the Sultan’s head Divine legitimacy and spiritual approval is represented • Royal grandeur and celestial power

Portraiture - Sultan Abdullah Qutb Shah – (Bijapur)

• The upper section of the painting features Persian inscriptions
• The Sultan is seated on a throne, symbolizing his authority and dominance

Artwork - Sufi Tradition and Historical Background

• This artwork belongs to the Hyderabad-Deccan school of painting
• Portrayal of Indian cultural themes in a straightforward manner makes this painting unique.

Style of Chand Bibi playing Polo

• Exemplifies the later provincial style of Deccan art
• The colors and lines reveal the distinctiveness of Deccan art, they are of intense value