Jain Miniature Paintings from Western India c8.4

c8.4

In medieval Indian art, an impulse towards embellishment, which is symptomatic of great luxury, resulted in building up a tremendous range of technical powers for executing that ornamentation. This tendency of medieval Indian craftsmanship, specially in the sphere of architecture, results in the elaboration of ornaments. In the art of painting, however, when new artistic impulses created fresh forms, the tendency is towards simplification of lines and colours. This may be due to the limited surface of the palm-leaf and paper; but this is not always true as some really first class manuscripts of the 15th century are beautifully illuminated. There is, however, a strenuous effort directed to improve the colour tones and effect the economy of line, which is again important, considering the limited surfaces on which the medieval artists could paint.