Rajput Painting (Set of 2 Vols.)

Ananda K. Coomaraswamy’s Rajput Painting in two volumes is a landmark work that presents both a philosophical and historical analysis of Rajput miniature painting. The first volume focuses on the theoretical and spiritual foundations of Indian art, asserting that Rajput painting is not mimetic but symbolic, expressing inner realities rather than outer appearances. Coomaraswamy draws on classical Indian aesthetics—particularly the concepts of rasa (aesthetic essence), bhava (emotion), and dhvani (suggestion)—to argue that these paintings are visual counterparts of devotional poetry and religious texts. He emphasizes the sacred purpose of Rajput art, its rootedness in myth, epic, and bhakti traditions, and its role in visualizing divine love, especially the lila of Krishna and Radha. The second volume examines the regional schools and stylistic evolution of Rajput painting. Coomaraswamy surveys the major traditions—Mewar, Marwar, Bundi, Kota, Bikaner, Jaipur, and the Pahari schools like Basohli and Kangra—highlighting their individual characteristics and iconographic themes. He contrasts the emotional and spiritual nature of Rajput art with the realism of Mughal painting, noting that Rajput painters favored idealized forms, expressive color, and lyrical composition. Richly illustrated, the volume includes detailed commentary on paintings that depict Hindu epics, ragamalas, romantic poetry, and devotional scenes. Together, the two volumes offer a profound reinterpretation of Rajput painting as a sacred and poetic art form. Coomaraswamy defends its value against colonial critiques and elevates it as a vital expression of India’s philosophical, religious, and aesthetic heritage.