6.3 Mural Painting Techniques and Styles

Indian mural painting techniques blend natural pigments with binding agents on prepared walls. From fresco to tempera, artists use various methods to create stunning visuals. Gold leaf and intricate designs add opulence, while 3D elements bring depth to these masterpieces.

Regional styles showcase diverse influences. Cave paintings like Ajanta depict Buddhist themes, while palace murals blend Mughal and Rajput elements. Religious and secular themes coexist, offering glimpses into Indian mythology, court life, and social customs through vibrant colors and detailed narratives.

Techniques of Indian Mural Painting

Application of Pigments

• Indian mural painting techniques involve applying natural and artificial pigments to a prepared wall surface
• Pigments are mixed with a binding medium (egg yolk, glue) to adhere them to the surface
• The preparation of the wall surface, including smoothing and applying a ground layer, is crucial for the longevity and quality of the mural painting

Fresco and Tempera Techniques

• Fresco is a common mural technique where pigments are applied to wet plaster, allowing the colors to become an integral part of the wall as the plaster dries
  • Fresco buono: pigments are applied to freshly laid, still-wet plaster
  • Fresco secco: pigments are applied to dry plaster that has been re-wetted
• In the tempera technique, pigments are mixed with a water-soluble binder and applied to a dry plaster surface
• Outlining and shading techniques create depth, volume, and realism in the depicted figures and scenes

Decorative Elements and Materials

• The use of gold leaf and other precious materials (silver, gems) adds opulence and grandeur to the artwork
• Intricate border designs, patterns, and motifs enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the murals
• The incorporation of three-dimensional elements (raised plaster, inlaid stones) creates a sense of depth and texture

Regional Styles of Indian Murals

Cave Paintings and Temple Murals

• The Ajanta and Bagh cave paintings (2nd century BCE to 6th century CE) depict Buddhist themes and narratives using the fresco technique in a naturalistic style
• The Lepakshi murals of Andhra Pradesh (16th century) use the tempera technique to depict Hindu mythological scenes and figures with vibrant colors and intricate details
• The Kerala mural tradition, seen in the Mattancherry Palace and various temples, features elongated figures, graceful lines, and a palette dominated by ochre, green, and red

Palace and Haveli Murals

• The Rajasthani style, exemplified by the murals at the Shekhawati havelis, depicts secular themes (daily life, trade, festivities) alongside religious narratives in an elaborate and colorful manner
• Mughal-influenced mural paintings, found in palaces like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, showcase a synthesis of Indian and Persian styles, focusing on floral and geometric patterns and court scenes
• The Bundelkhand style, seen in the Orchha Palace, features a blend of Rajput and Mughal elements, with an emphasis on portraiture and historical events

Themes in Indian Murals

Religious and Mythological Themes

• Hindu murals depict gods and goddesses, mythological narratives, and scenes from epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata)
• Buddhist murals, such as those at Ajanta and Bagh, illustrate the life of the Buddha, Jataka tales, and bodhisattvas, serving as visual aids for religious teachings and meditation
• Jain murals, found in temples like the Ellora Caves, depict tirthankars, Jain cosmology, and sacred symbols, reflecting the Jain philosophy of non-violence and asceticism

Secular and Social Themes

• Secular themes include court life, hunting scenes, and portraits of rulers and patrons, particularly in palaces and havelis
• Social and cultural themes depict festivals (Holi, Diwali), weddings, and daily life activities, providing insights into the customs and traditions of different regions and communities
• The depiction of nature, including flora (lotus, mango tree), fauna (elephants, peacocks), and landscapes, serves as a backdrop to the main themes and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the murals

Patronage and Mural Painting

Royal and Religious Patronage

• Royal patronage played a significant role in the development and flourishing of mural painting traditions, with kings and emperors commissioning murals for palaces, temples, and caves
• Religious institutions, such as temples and monasteries, actively patronized mural painters, using the artworks to propagate their teachings and attract devotees
• Patronage influenced the choice of themes, with patrons often dictating the subject matter and sometimes even the style of the murals to suit their preferences and agendas

Merchant and Private Patronage

• Wealthy merchants and landowners, particularly in regions like Shekhawati in Rajasthan, commissioned murals for their havelis and mansions, showcasing their prosperity and status
• The availability of resources and materials, facilitated by patronage, allowed for the use of expensive pigments, gold leaf, and other high-quality materials in the creation of murals
• The decline or shifts in patronage, due to political and social changes, often led to the decline or evolution of certain mural painting traditions over time

Influence of Mural Painting on Indian Art

Miniature Painting and Folk Art

• Mural painting techniques and styles have influenced the development of miniature painting traditions, with similar themes, compositions, and the use of vibrant colors and intricate details
• The narrative and storytelling aspects of murals have found expression in other art forms, such as scroll paintings (Phad, Pattachitra), puppetry (Kathputli, Tholu Bommalata), and folk theater (Yakshagana, Ramlila), which often depict similar religious and mythological themes

Traditional Crafts and Contemporary Art

• The use of natural pigments and binders in mural painting has influenced the development of traditional Indian painting techniques, such as the Pahari and Rajasthani styles
• Mural painting has inspired textile arts, with motifs, patterns, and scenes from murals being adapted into embroidery (Kantha, Phulkari), block printing (Ajrakh, Bagru), and weaving traditions (Ikat, Kalamkari)
• The iconography and symbolism present in mural paintings have influenced the design and decoration of architectural elements, such as sculptures, reliefs, and carved pillars, in temples and palaces
• Contemporary Indian artists have drawn inspiration from the rich legacy of mural painting, incorporating elements of style, technique, and themes into their modern works, across various media (canvas paintings, installations, digital art)