Later Mural Traditions

Later Mural Traditions

The chapter delves into the rich history of mural traditions in India following the renowned Ajanta paintings. After Ajanta, very few sites have survived, but some significant murals provide insights into the continued tradition of cave paintings and their evolution through different dynastic rules in South India. The chapter particularly focuses on the work done in Badami, the murals under the Pallava, Pandya, and Chola kings, the paintings of the Vijayanagara Dynasty, the Nayaka influence in Tamil Nadu, and the unique developments in Kerala murals.

Badami Caves

Located in Karnataka, Badami was the capital of the early Chalukyan dynasty. It featured prominently from 543 to 598 CE. The king Mangalesha is noted for excavating the Badami caves, particularly Cave No.4, known as the Vishnu Cave, dating back to 578-579 CE. The murals depict scenes from palace life, showcasing a dance performance attended by Kirtivarman, his wife, and feudal lords.

• Stylistic Elements: The paintings exhibit mature artistry with fluid lines, compact compositions, and intricate facial modeling that reflect the influence of Ajanta's traditions.
• Character Representations: The faces are characterized by large eye-sockets and protruding lips, illustrating the artists' adeptness in giving volume to figures with simple line techniques.

Mural Traditions under Pallava, Pandya, and Chola Kings

The Pallava period saw a flourishing of the arts with significant contributions from kings like Mahendravarma I, who was known for his patronage of murals in temples such as at Kanchipuram. Key characteristics include:

• Regional Variations: The murals from this era show considerable variation in style. The example of the temple of Panamalai reflects graceful depictions of divinity,
• Pandyas Contribution: With the rise of the Pandya kings, significant murals such as those in the Tirumalaipuram caves featured rich colors and themes involving celestial dancers.
• Chola Monarchs: The Chola dynasty's height from the 9th to the 13th century led to the creation of monumental works, particularly evident in the Brihadeswara temple, which showcases elaborate narratives involving Lord Shiva.

Vijayanagara Murals

Following the decline of the Chola dynasty, the Vijayanagara Empire emerged from the 14th to the 16th century, greatly influencing mural traditions.

• Notable Sites: Temples like the Virupaksha temple at Hampi showcase paintings depicting mythological narratives, particularly from the Ramayana and local dynastic lore.
• Artistic Style: Typically, the Vijayanagara murals employed profile views and two-dimensional representation, emphasizing clarity in storytelling through visual means. The compositions of figures were rectilinear, embodying a fluidity in line work.

Nayaka and Kerala Murals

The Nayaka dynasty continued the mural traditions into the 17th and 18th centuries, maintaining traits of the preceding Vijayanagara style with local adaptations.

• Nayaka Contributions: The depiction of narrative scenes from epics like the Mahabharata remained prevalent, with a focus on dynamism in movement.

• Kerala's Unique Style: In contrast, Kerala evolved a distinct pictorial language reflecting local narratives and vibrant colors, influenced by Kathakali and traditional artistic forms. Temples like Pundareekapuram Krishna have exemplary murals showcasing this tradition.

• Continuing Traditions: Modern interpretations of murals remain in various Indian villages, showcasing regional styles like Mithila and Warli paintings which have retained their relevance in cultural expressions.

Summary

This chapter is significant in understanding the continuity and evolution of mural art in India, illustrating the diversity across regions in style, themes, and patronage. It reflects how local contexts shaped the artistic expressions found in temples and public spaces, resonating with cultural narratives deep-rooted in history.

Exercise Questions

1. What are the main features of Badami cave paintings?
2. Write an essay on Vijayanagara paintings.
3. Describe the mural traditions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

1. Badami Caves: Highlight the patronage of Chalukyan kings and the significance of artwork in Cave No.4.
2. Ajanta Influence: The continuation of the mural tradition from Ajanta to subsequent sites like Badami, showcasing evolved artistic techniques.
3. Pallava Artistry: The introduction of regional style and themes under the Pallava dynasty, with significant works in Kanchipuram.
4. Pandya and Chola Innovations: Contributions to murals from Pandya and Chola dynasties, with notable temple artworks narrating spiritual themes.
5. Vijayanagara Style: The development of unique narratives in paintings during the Vijayanagara era, emphasizing storytelling through visual art.
6. Nayaka Visual Language: The influence of Nayaka paintings in Tamil Nadu, reflecting dynamic storytelling through traditional narratives.
7. Kerala Murals: Characteristics of mural painting in Kerala, highlighting local themes and vibrant artistic styles.
8. Continuity of Tradition: Mural painting as an enduring tradition seen even in contemporary rural artistic expressions throughout India.