The magical land of Gods, India, obliterates umpteen novel mysteries that can be discovered along the modern pavements of urban metros. It shares a distinct set of art, culture, dialects and other notable diversities amongst the many subdivided regions. Along its course of existence, India has witnessed drastic changes in every single one of these diversities. Many evolved with times, many split to form a sub-division and many withered away as they reached extinction. One of the few that has survived every historical trial of time is the predominant Indian traditional art. Rooting its origin from as early as the prehistoric times, let us take a look into the past of rich Indian art culture and track down the evolution of Indian paintings.

The tradition of Indian paintings is as old and myriad as the Indian civilization itself. It stepped foot on Indian lands with early designs on pottery from the Indus Valley which was collectively developed over time. Sometime later, historians believe intricate cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora caves led the art of painting everyday life and animals on cave walls. The tradition of Indian paintings later evolved as India set a new high with the Mughal Empire from Persia. Indian artists during the medieval period are acclaimed for their elaborate designs and life-like coloured portraits. This art form spread across the land and thrived with the emergence of many different territories in the Indian kingdom.
With the rise of Mughal Empire, traditions flourished which later transformed into rich culture. These paintings combined Indian and Persian styles that boasted bright colours, rich details in human forms and exclusive design patterns. Indian artists of the Mughal era played an important role to depict that culture to us by painting the time they were created in. The elements in these traditional Indian paintings revolve around a time-specific theme and this is what makes them authentic.

Some famous Indian paintings belong to Warli tribe of Maharashtra for their distinctive perception of the world, Madhubani paintings from Bihar for their colourful wildlife and rustic village life, and Rajasthani paintings for their unique miniatures. These paintings tell us more than just the painting style, colour palette and evolving techniques but they also shine light on the world that they originated from. India is one of those countries believed to be highly religious and Indian artists of early times prove it by portraying figures and instances that openly signifies deities or are related to religion in a subtle manner.

Later, as the time passed, the paintings displayed a blend of traditions and mixed culture that was collectively evolved in different regions of India. Specifically, Pahari Paintings that originated in the northern states of Himachal, Jammu and Punjab revealed multiple themes that ranged from Mughal era, Rajputana Kingdom and Himalayan sceneries. But no matter where the art form originated, they always displayed a consistent flow of bright colours with intricate details in design and structure. Having said that they show consistency, you can still chalk out a list of distinctive features in every style that cannot be found in any other style.