Tradition and transformation: contemporary Indian miniature painting from Rajasthan

Miniature painting was introduced to India by the Mughal emperors in the 16^thcentury CE. Master painters were brought from Persia to teach the art form to Indian artists, and the resulting fusion of Persian and Indian styles developed into the many different regional schools which flourished across the Mughal Empire.

Traditional miniature paintings were created for local audiences, and focused upon portraying aspects of the lives and activities of powerful rulers. Some contemporary miniature painting recreates these traditional subjects using modern media while other works feature novel designs. This thriving art-form is however aimed at an almost wholly non-Indian audience, with the primary consumers being international tourists.

All of the works for the exhibition have been donated to the Oriental Museum by Dr Simon Fleming.