Bagyi Aung Soe, “The Miniature Paintings of Ancient India”, in From Tradition to Modernity, Yangon: Khin May Si Sapay, 1978, 74-85.1
74 “Indian Miniature” [English] or small Indian painting is unlike the Western oil-on-canvas; only one or two persons can view it at one time. It is more similar to Burmese parabaik painting. When Indian “Paintings” [English] are smaller in size, they are seen as miniatures, as is Rajasthani painting. It is hard to identify the original creators of Indian art. Most of them are still unknown, with the exception of some Mughal artists. However, given that the art of painting is... 75 … placed fourth on the list of the sixty-four arts which the wise should master, according to classic Indian literary works, the importance of Indian painting is evident. It is much older than Indian miniature. Findings prove that it began in the 11th century BCE, but as those paintings were on walls or the potshards, it is not easy to determine the time. Most Indian miniatures illustrate Krishna, the lives of Yama, the male and female protagonists and music and the seasons. Earlier miniatures are found in classic literary works, palm-leaf manuscripts and Buddhist manuscripts. “Prajnaparamita”, one of the ancient Mahayana Buddhist manuscripts, contains many miniature illustrations. They are simple but of appropriate scale. Like the classical paintings on the walls of the Ajanta caves, their gentle grace comes from the strong line work. In fact, miniatures are … 76 … works displaying rich effects of shade and light and harmonious rhythms. Miniatures paintings can go straight to the heart of painting. In a straightforward and sincere manner, it foregrounds what the artist has in mind. Usually, they are not landscapes or if they are, the views are no more than what should be and the colours are mostly ultramarine, vermillion, yellow and green – raw colours. Pala was one of the religious dynasties with paintings in that style. It was influential in the regions of Bengal and Bihar during the 11th century to 13th century. Another well-known dynasty with paintings in the Indo-Western style emerged between the 11th and 16th century in India. It can be assumed that paper has been used in the west of India since early 12th century. After the 14th century, the use of paper in painting became common. The figures’ poses and styles …
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This translation only conveys the gist of the article, not all the nuances. Bagyi Aung Soe, “The Miniature Paintings of Ancient India”, in From Tradition to Modernity, Yangon: Khin May Si Sapay, 1978, 74-85.
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AungSoeillustrations.org