Corresponding roughly to the former princely state of Udaipur and its peripheral areas in Rajasthan, Mewar has had a magnificent tradition of wall paintings and miniatures. Even as, over the centuries, it came to assimilate a variety of external influences in the matrix of its classical aesthetics, it has perpetuated its essential identity in terms of its content, form, style and technique. Dr Bhatnagar highlights the striking phases in Mewar paintings, together with their parallels in the political history of the state. Also, going beyond, she takes a look at the contemporary trends in Mewar painting and what distinguishes it as an art form.

Dr Nidhi Bhatnagar teaches history at VBRI, Udaipur.