The culture and history of the western Himalayas gave birth to an Art form in the17th Century, which we now know as the Miniature Paintings. Though known specimens of Miniature painting can be traced only to the latter part of the 18th Century, one has every reason to believe that this art form existed way before the datable specimens. Miniature paintings are colorful illuminations that captured the fancy of the royalty and aristocracy. The illustrated manuscripts of Jains and Buddhists, and the Mughal, Rajput, and Deccan Miniatures are noted for their meticulous execution and artistic skills. The fine stroke of brushes conveyed the themes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagvata Purana, Rasikpriya, Rasamanjiri, etc. Miniature Painters used varied substances for coloring their drawings, namely - minerals, vegetables, precious stones, indigo, conch shells, pure gold and silver. There were three primary schools of Indian Miniature Paintings - the Rajput, the Mughal and the Deccan schools. These masterpieces of yore have a universal appeal which still touch the right chord of the audience.
The Kangra Miniatures of the Pahari School made a mark in the 18th century. Though influenced by the Mughals, the Kangra School retained its distinctiveness. The paintings were naturalistic and employed cool, fresh colors. The colors were extracted from minerals, vegetables and possessed enamel-like luster. Verdant greenery of the landscape, brooks, springs were the recurrent images on the miniatures. Texts of the Gita Govinda, Bhiari's Satsai, and the Baramasa of Keshavdas provided endless themes to the painters. Krishna and Radha as eternal lovers were portrayed rejoicing the moments of love. The Kangra miniatures are also noted for portraying the famine charm with a natural grace. The paintings based on Ragmalas (musical modes) also found patronage in Kangra.
