Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c76.179

v2.c76.179

The principal topic of this chapter is the preparation of the background on which the paintings are to be drawn. Vartikā is not a paint-brush in the technique of painting. It is an implement (like a brush) for plastering the background, wall, board or cloth and the like canvases. Hence, before the technique of the background is described, a word on the Vartikā, its accessory implement is essential. As already referred to the eight-fold constituents or limbs of painting, the Vartikā is one of them. The Vartika is not the same as Vartanā, as understood by Dr. Motichand (cf. 'The Technique of Mughal Painting' p. 45). The Vartanā is the process and the Vartikā is an implement. Vartikā may be translated as crayon and the use of crayon for making the first sketch was known in ancient India.