Friday lates: Painting of the Rajput courts of India

About this course

This illustrated lecture examines painting from Rajput courts and the Hill states of Northern and Western India, including Mewar, Bundi, Kota and Kangra. It considers how regional styles developed from Hindu manuscript traditions and selected Mughal techniques, alongside religious imagery, court scenes and the symbolic systems associated with the Shastras. Teaching uses slide presentations and group discussion. The course also introduces court painters’ studio practices, including production techniques and the pigments used, and considers the lives and interests of significant Rajput patrons.

What you'll learn

• Compare the styles of three regional schools of Rajput painting
• Identify three important pigments used in Rajput painting
• Describe the traditional attributes and colours associated with a major Hindu deity
• Explain aspects of symbolism, religious iconography and philosophy in the paintings

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners at all levels and explicitly requires no previous experience or study of the subject. Participation consists of a live online lecture using slides and group discussion. Learners should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.

• No previous experience or study of the subject is required
• Participation takes place in a live online lecture rather than a recorded session
• Learners need to be able to use, or be willing to learn, Zoom camera, microphone and chat functions

Before you go

• The course takes place live on Zoom and is not recorded for later playback.
• Learners should be able to operate, or be willing to learn, Zoom camera, microphone and chat functions.