What’s in the news?

• The Ministry of Culture has launched the “Life in Miniature” project recently.
• The project is a collaboration between the National Museum, Delhi, and Google Arts & Culture.

About the project

• “Life in Miniature” project uses technologies such as machine learning, augmented reality and digitisation with high-definition robotic cameras, to showcase miniature paintings from the National Museum’s collections.
• These miniature paintings can now be seen through the Google Arts & Culture app.
• On the Google Arts & Culture app, online viewers can experience the first augmented reality-powered art gallery designed with traditional Indian architecture, and explore a life-size virtual space where one can walk up to a selection of miniature paintings.
• Among the collections included are Ramayana, Royal Saga and Pahari-style paintings.

Additional Details

Miniature Paintings

• Miniature paintings originated in India around 750 A.D when the Palas ruled over the eastern part of India. Since religious teachings of the Buddha, accompanied by his images, were written on palm leaves, these paintings became popular.
• As these paintings were done on palm leaves, they had to be miniature in nature because of space constraint. Around 960 A.D, similar paintings were introduced in the western parts of India by the rulers of the Chalukya Dynasty.
• During this period, miniature paintings often portrayed religious themes. With the rise of the Mughal Empire, miniature paintings started growing on a level unknown before. The tradition of miniature paintings was further taken forward by the artists of various Rajasthani schools of painting, including the Kishangarh, Bundi Jaipur, Mewar and Marwar.

Pahari Painting

• Pahari painting is a term used for a form of Indian painting, done mostly in miniature forms, originating from Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India. Pahari paintings of India can be categorized into two groups based on their geographical variety.
  • Basohli and Kulu Style is influenced by Chaurpanchasika style
  • Guler and Kangra Style based on calm colors and modification

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/national-museums-miniature-paintings-on-google-arts-culture-app/article32923226.ece