The contribution of Kishangarh court painters
in providing a rich body of work, which is considered
exquisite and one of its kinds for its sensuous
beauty, soft colors and fascinating landscapes
is noteworthy. Most of these artists engaged by
the royal court were trained in Mughal workshops
and brought traditions, which were combined with
the regional art techniques to produce lovely
creations.
Girdhardas
Girdhardas patronized by Raja Raj Singh is the
first known artist from Kishangarh. An inscription
on the portrait of Raj Singh bears his name.
Bhawanidas
Bhawanidas was well trained in the Mughal style
painting. He served under Raja Raj Singh and produced
paintings, which displayed luxurious courtly postures,
delicately modeled faces, and graceful figures
that emphasized on the charm of the youthful beauty.
Krishna imploring Radha
for Love,
Kishangarh, Rajasthan, circa A.D. 1750
Some of his notable works are; ‘A princess enjoying
fire works’, ‘Queen listening to music’
and ‘Raja Sahasmal with his falconers’.
Dalchand and Kalyandas
Dalchand and Kalyandas were related to Bhawanidas.
While Dalchand was the son of Bhawanidas, Kalyandas
was a relative of Dalchand. These artists established
the Kishangarh School of painting, which flourished
immensely under Raja Raj Singh and later under Raja
Sawant Singh. These artists employed gold., a technique
brought from Mughal workshops, in the paintings.
One of Dalchand’s significant works is the painting
of a horse, which was presented to Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar.
While Kalyandas is known for painting a portrait of
Rao Durjan Sal of Kotah.
Nooro Dhadi
Nooro Dhadi was a local painter who painted Rathor
Daulatsingh, a jagirdar of the State.
Nihal Chand
One of the most outstanding painters was Nihal Chand
(1710-1782) who produced brilliant work. His name figures
in the captions of paintings and the papers of the Kishangarh
State.
From the period of 1755 to 1766 AD, Nihal Chand worked
for Raja Sardar Singh who ruled in the northern part
of the partitioned State. He produced a memorable work
in the association of his team which consisted of Sitaram,
Soorajmal, and Amar Chand.
After the demise of Sardar Singh, Roopnagar was again
merged with Kishangarh. Nihal Chand returned to Kishangarh
and was given 200 acres of land.
Nihal Chand under Raja Sawant Singh who was himself
a poet and an accomplished musician and painter rendered
visual expression to Sawant Singh’s poems and feelings
in his paintings. He was close to Sawant Singh and evolved
a figure of Radha based on the appearance of Bani Thani,
the mistress of Raja Sawant Singh. He evolved a mannerist
style which emphasized on the on the slender curves
and almond eyes of Bani Thani. Radha as Bani Thani was
shown with delicate eyebrows curved like a bow, long
neck, curls of ebony hair, shapely nose and fastidious
nose.
The series of Radha Krishna paintings depicting the
mystical love between them are his notable creations.
His painting called ‘Boat of Love’ is considered
as a masterpiece of Kishangarh School of painting. The
depiction of minutest details with sheer perfection
celebrates the eternal love of Radha and Krishna. His
other works include ‘Radha offering flowers to
Krishna’, ‘Tambula Seva’, ‘Shukadeva
Muni preaching Bhagavat to Parikshit’, ‘Sawant
Singh and Bani Thani’ and ‘Radha and Krishna
seated on a lotus’.
Nihal Chand work speaks for its delicate and graceful
drawing and distinctive patterns, and colors
Sitaram
The painting style of Sitaram, eldest son of Nihal
Chand closely resembles to that of his father. His notable
works are ‘Krishna offering a garland to Radha’,
‘Krishna holding Radha’s Odhani’ and
‘Diwali festival’.
Sooraj Mal
He was brother of Sitaram and his worthy sketches indicate
his love for brush.
Soordhaj Nanagram
He was a son of Sooraj Mal and grandson of Nihal Chand.
Painting of Kalyan Rai ji executed by him is his noteworthy
contribution.
Soordhaj Ramnath
Son of Nanagram, he excelled in drawing and painting
of flowers and fruits.
Amar Chand
He is remembered for his well-ordered compositions.
His notable works include ‘A Moonlit Music Party’
that shows Raja Sardar Singh at his Roop Nagar Palace
and also figures Nihal Chand.
Sooratram and Budhlal
Sooratram and Budhlal are other significant names,
which worked at Fatehgarh in the State and produced
lovely works of art.
